Respiratory viruses and the dangers older adults face

JACKSON, Tenn. — Most deaths from respiratory viruses occur in people older than 65, with risk increasing sharply with advancing age.

Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV can all affect adults 65 and older, and can be especially dangerous for this age group. Studies have shown that compared to people ages 18 to 39, people older than 75 are about 9 times as likely to die from COVID-19.

If you are, or if you spend time with an older adult, using the prevention strategies described in the CDC’s respiratory virus guidance is especially important.

In addition, there are several specific considerations for older adults such as, immunizations, masks, treatment and tests.

“That older individuals don’t make antibody levels at the same height as do younger individuals,” said Dr. Donald Middleton.

In the United States, 70 to 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths and 50 to 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older.

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