RSV Impact on Adults with Chronic Conditions: New Survey Results

Eighty percent of Canadian adults living with certain chronic conditions report that respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus disrupt their health and daily lives, as well as the lives of those around them, according to a poll published by GSK.

The survey, which was released for RSV Awareness Week 2026, details how viral infections extend beyond initial sickness and complicate existing health management. Among the 1,500 adults surveyed, 80 percent declared at least one consequence on their health, daily life, or that of their entourage, and 54 percent placed daily independence—including travel, errands, and routine tasks—among the top three aspects that matter most in managing their condition.

Conducted online by Human8 for GSK between July 15 and August 7, 2026, the poll surveyed 1,500 adults aged 18 and older living in Canada with at least one of six targeted chronic affections: diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension. Among all participants, 254 reported receiving a diagnosis of RSV as an adult.

Within this specific subgroup, 39 percent stated that their health was disrupted for at least one month, and 63 percent described their symptoms as moderately or very severe. Furthermore, 22 percent of respondents in this subgroup indicated they needed help to accomplish daily tasks, an aid that sometimes implies reorganization for loved ones.

The consequences of respiratory infections manifest across multiple aspects of daily routines and physical health. Across the broader survey, 39 percent of respondents indicated that their chronic condition worsened when they contracted a respiratory virus such as RSV. Furthermore, more than a third of participants took longer than expected to recover, a quarter had to consult a general practitioner or visit a primary care center again, and 18 percent required emergency care.

Specific groups reported distinct challenges, with varying percentages noting an aggravation of symptoms depending on their underlying condition: 52 percent of asthmatics, 45 percent of individuals with COPD, 35 percent of those suffering from chronic renal failure, 29 percent of people with cardiovascular disease, and 27 percent of diabetic individuals observed an exacerbation of their symptoms.

Despite widespread concern that respiratory viruses can harm chronic disease management or worsen symptoms, 44 percent of respondents stated they had not recently discussed RSV with a health care professional. Understanding the close link between chronic conditions, the increased risk of RSV infection, and the potential for severe illness provides a starting point for patients to converse with medical providers during follow-up appointments.

In 2019, it was estimated that in developed countries alone, RSV led to approximately 470,000 hospitalizations and 33,000 in-hospital deaths in this age bracket, as RSV is increasingly recognized as a cause of respiratory illness among individuals aged 60 and older.