Portugal study: RSV kills nearly 20% of hospitalized adults

A study by the Unidade Local de Saúde (ULS) of Coimbra examined over 24,000 adult admissions for respiratory infections between 2018 and 2024. Of these, 2,257 cases were linked to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Nearly half (48.7%) of the RSV patients developed respiratory failure, more than 60% acquired secondary bacterial infections, and 17.8% died during hospitalization.

The majority of RSV admissions (91%) were patients over 60 years old, many with chronic conditions that increased the risk of severe outcomes. A clear seasonal pattern was observed, with the highest incidence in winter, especially during 2022‑2023 when RSV accounted for 16.6% of all respiratory admissions. Researchers, including pneumologist Tiago Alfaro, warned that RSV’s impact on adult health may be underestimated and called for stronger prevention, surveillance, and resource planning.

Alfaro emphasized, “We are facing a disease with a very relevant clinical and resource impact, which justifies greater attention to prevention and monitoring.”