RSV Risks for Adults With Chronic Disease: Key Findings From 2026 Canadian Survey

Living with chronic illness introduces a fragile daily balance that respiratory infections can quickly disrupt.

• Eighty percent of surveyed Canadian adults with specific chronic conditions report that respiratory viruses like RSV impact their daily health, routines, and households, according to data released by GSK.
• Conducted online between July 15 and August 7, 2026, and involving 1,500 participants, the survey revealed that 39 percent of respondents who contracted respiratory syncytial virus experienced health disruptions lasting at least one month.
• Despite widespread concern over virus impacts, 44 percent of participants have not recently discussed RSV with a healthcare professional.

Managing symptoms, adhering to treatments, and maintaining personal well-being require constant adaptation for patients with underlying conditions. When a respiratory virus emerges, practical questions immediately surface regarding recovery times and the need to pause daily activities or rely on loved ones.

A 2026 Canadian survey shows that 54 percent of participating adults rank daily autonomy—specifically travel, errands, and routine chores—among the three most critical aspects of managing their health.

For adults managing chronic conditions, respiratory syncytial virus represents a distinct medical concern. Nearly 2 in 5 respondents (39 percent) indicated that their chronic condition worsened when they contracted a respiratory virus such as RSV.

The online survey, conducted by Human8 for GSK, reached 1,500 Canadian adults living with diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension. Among these participants, 254 reported receiving a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus during adulthood.

Among respondents who had been infected with RSV, 39 percent noted that their health remained disrupted for a minimum of one month. 55 percent of people infected with RSV rated their symptoms as moderately or very severe. This reported severity reached 68 percent among those with chronic kidney disease or COPD, 64 percent for those with cardiovascular disease, and 63 percent for those with asthma.

Additional international data highlights the broader clinical burden of the pathogen. The World Health Organization estimates that the virus causes over 3.6 million hospitalizations and approximately 100,000 deaths annually among children under five globally.

For older populations in developed regions, 2019 estimates attribute roughly 470,000 hospitalizations and 33,000 in-hospital deaths to the virus among individuals aged 60 and older. In Vietnam, a five-year projection model estimates approximately 4.6 million acute respiratory cases due to RSV in that age group, including 200,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths.

Respiratory viruses create widespread repercussions that extend beyond immediate clinical symptoms. Eighty percent of survey participants reported at least one negative effect on their health, daily life, or family.

Longer-than-expected recovery times affect 42 percent of respondents, while 22 percent required assistance with daily tasks. Professional obligations also suffer, with 22 percent experiencing lost income due to work absences caused by respiratory infections.

Primary care utilization increases as well, with 19 percent requiring additional medical consultations. Psychological well-being is also affected.

Though 44 percent of survey respondents have not recently discussed the virus with a healthcare provider.

Routine medical follow-ups provide a structured opportunity to evaluate personal vulnerability and discuss suitable preventive measures. Addressing these risks proactively helps protect the daily autonomy that patients with chronic conditions strive to maintain. These findings were released as part of the 2026 RSV Awareness Week, running from November 2 to November 8. For more information, media inquiries can be directed to GSK at +1 855 593 6274.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.