Everyone is talking about the flu. But which virus actually leads to more hospitalizations?

Professor Liran Levi from Sheba Medical Center warns that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a serious threat to the elderly, often leading to hospitalization more frequently than the flu. During the winter of 2025–2026, RSV was detected in 1,030 patients over 60 in 14 Israeli hospitals; 162 people died. Vaccination is recommended for people aged 60+ and at-risk patients.

As winter approaches, many consider getting a flu shot, but according to the article, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) more often leads to hospitalization for the elderly. Professor Liran Levi, head of the Pulmonology Institute at Sheba Medical Center, explains that vaccines for RSV for adults have only recently become available, and the topic is not yet familiar. He cites the case of a patient after a lung transplant who died from RSV. During the winter of 2025–2026, RSV was detected in 1,030 patients over 60 in 14 Israeli hospitals; 162 people (15.7%) died within 30 days. Vaccination is recommended for people aged 60+ and at-risk patients aged 18–59. For COPD patients, vaccination reduces the risk of hospitalization and mortality, according to a Danish study of 7,454 vaccinated and 29,816 unvaccinated individuals. The material is for informational purposes and does not replace medical consultation.