Published on Nov 07, 2025 | 11:24 AM
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When most people hear about RSV—respiratory syncytial virus—they think of babies in the hospital. And while it’s true that RSV can be very serious for infants, the story doesn’t end there. Adults, especially older adults and those with chronic conditions, are also at risk. With winter right around the corner, here’s what you need to know about RSV, how it shows up in grown-ups, and what you can do to protect yourself.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and even contaminated surfaces. In healthy young adults, it often feels like a simple cold. But for people over 60, and anyone with weakened immune systems, lung disease, heart conditions, or diabetes, RSV can become far more dangerous.
Every year in the U.S., RSV causes tens of thousands of hospitalizations in older adults. It can trigger:
And because RSV season overlaps with flu and COVID, catching one virus can increase your risk of complications from the others.
The tricky part? RSV doesn’t always scream “serious illness” at first. Symptoms often mimic a mild cold, including:
For many adults, it stays mild. But in higher-risk individuals, these symptoms can progress to shortness of breath, chest pain, or significant weakness that requires medical care.
The takeaway: don’t brush off RSV as “just a kid’s virus.” If you’re older, live with chronic conditions, or care for infants or elderly family members, it’s worth paying attention.
The good news is, we now have more tools than ever to protect against RSV:
If you develop RSV-like symptoms this winter, CallOnDoc can help you sort out whether it’s just a cold or something more serious. Our providers can guide you through testing, symptom relief, and next steps—so you don’t have to guess. For older adults and caregivers, fast, accessible care can make all the difference.
👉 Healthcare that fits in your pocket, not your calendar.
Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
How Do I Know if It’s COVID-19, a Cold, the Flu or RSV?
When it comes to respiratory illnesses like the common cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV, it’s easy to confuse their symptoms since they often overlap. Each illness shares similar signs, such as a runny nose, cough, and fatigue, making it challenging to distinguish between them without testing.
However, these illnesses are caused by different viruses and vary in severity, with certain symptoms being more prevalent in one illness over another. Understanding the differences in symptoms, causes, and peak seasons for each can help you manage these infections more effectively.
Nov 27, 2023 | 1:23 PM
Read More
How Do I Know if It’s COVID-19, a Cold, the Flu or RSV?
When it comes to respiratory illnesses like the common cold, flu, COVID-19, and RSV, it’s easy to confuse their symptoms since they often overlap. Each illness shares similar signs, such as a runny nose, cough, and fatigue, making it challenging to distinguish between them without testing.
However, these illnesses are caused by different viruses and vary in severity, with certain symptoms being more prevalent in one illness over another. Understanding the differences in symptoms, causes, and peak seasons for each can help you manage these infections more effectively.
Nov 27, 2023 | 1:23 PM
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