Unveiling the Hidden Burden: Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Dutch Older Adults and the Imperative Need for Vaccination

OBJECTIVES: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) significantly impacts older adults, often leading to severe health complications and elevated healthcare utilization. In the Netherlands, the burden of RSV on older adults remains underappreciated due to diagnostic challenges and symptom overlap with other respiratory infections. This review aims to elucidate the extent of the impact of RSV on Dutch older adults and discuss the implications for vaccination policy, particularly in light of recent advances in vaccine development for older adults.

METHODS: An extensive literature review was conducted, focusing on Netherlands-specific peer-reviewed studies. Data on the burden of RSV disease were analyzed, categorizing infections into symptomatic cases, primary care management, hospital admissions including ICU admissions, and mortality.

RESULTS: In the Netherlands, 200,000 to 345,000 adults experience symptomatic RSV infections annually, with 47,000 to 107,000 cases seeking care from general practitioners in a cohort of approximately 5 million older adults. RSV leads to an estimated 4,400 hospitalizations and between 400 and 2,900 deaths annually in this population.

CONCLUSIONS: The burden of RSV in Dutch older adults is significant and comparable to that of influenza. Improved surveillance and diagnostic practices are essential for accurate assessment and management of the disease. Implementing a public vaccination program could substantially reduce the burden of RSV in the elderly population.