Respiratory Viruses and Older Adults

Overview

As people get older, their immune systems do not work as well. Older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions. Most deaths from respiratory viruses occur in people older than 65, with risk increasing sharply with advancing age.

Why prevention is important

Studies have shown that:

• Compared to people ages 18-39 years, people over age 75 are about 9 times as likely to die from COVID-19. Learn more.
• Each year, it is estimated that 100,000-160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized due to RSV infection. Learn more.
• In recent years, it's estimated that between 70 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths in the United States have occurred among people 65 years and older, and between about 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group. Learn more.
• Over 95% of adults hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had no record of receiving the latest vaccine.

Making a Plan

Immunizations

• In addition to getting the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, there are some unique respiratory virus immunization recommendations for older adults:
  • All adults should have a current flu vaccine, but adults aged 65 years or older are recommended to receive a high dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine (for example, Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent inactivated flu vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine, or Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine).
  • All adults age 75 and older and adults age 60-74 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease should receive a single dose of RSV vaccine.
• The Eldercare Locator, a national resource funded by the Administration for Community Living, can help older adults find local vaccination clinics, connect with accessible transportation, and provide other assistance in accessing vaccinations.

Masks

Note that better fitting masks (for example, N95 or KN95 respirators) are more effective at protecting you from inhaling germs than other types of masks are (for example, cloth masks or surgical/disposable masks).

Treatment

• COVID-19 antivirals are recommended for all older adults (over age 50) and certain people at higher risk for complications from COVID-19.
• Flu antivirals are recommended for certain people at high risk for complications from flu, including adults ages 65 years and older.
• To learn more about if treatment is right for you, speak with a healthcare provider.

Tests

The Administration for Community Living and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response are partnering to distribute tests to the aging and disability networks. You may be able to get COVID-19 tests for free through your Area Agency on Aging.