RSV Alliance: A Global Initiative Supporting RSV Awareness and Action in Adults

This webpage was developed by the RSV Alliance. The Alliance is currently supported by GAAAP, IFA, GSK and ESWI who have contributed time and expertise in the development of this content to raise awareness of RSV. All RSV Alliance activities are funded by GSK.

RSV Alliance

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the lungs and respiratory tract. It spreads easily and can typically cause cold-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and fever¹. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for certain groups.

RSV is one of the main causes of lung infections in babies and young children, and it can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia². Older adults and people with health conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or weak immune systems are also at higher risk for serious illness due to RSV infection^{3 4 5}. 

Each year, RSV leads to many hospital stays, especially among older adults and those with chronic health issues⁶ 

Why it matters:

• RSV can cause severe respiratory illness, including pneumonia⁶.
• It spreads easily and affects people of all ages⁷.
• Older adults and people with underlying health problems like heart or lung disease, diabetes, weak immune systems, serious neurological or metabolic disorders, and crowded living conditions are more likely to get very sick than younger adults or those without certain long term conditions⁶.
• Complications from RSV can worsen certain existing health conditions or may require hospitalization or may even be life-threatening ^{6 8.}

By raising awareness, the RSV Alliance aims to reduce the impact of RSV on adults most at risk.

Our Mission

We amplify global awareness of RSV and elevate the patient voice through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships, helping to reduce the impact of RSV on older adults and people living with certain chronic conditions.

Our Vision

 A world where adults at risk for RSV understand how to reduce their chances of getting sick, recognize symptoms early, and seek appropriate care.

Our Guiding Principles

• Person-Centered
  We place the needs, experiences, and voices of people at risk of RSV at the heart of everything we do.

• Collaborative
  We unite patient, scientific and health professional organizations and industry, achieving more together than any group could alone.

• Evidence-Based
  Our awareness and advocacy efforts are grounded in the most up-to-date science and data.

• Transparent & Inclusive
  We value industry support, including GSK’s role as a core member and funder, and ensure governance and activities are agreed upon by the RSV Alliance.

• Global Yet Local
  We support regional and national organizations in adapting RSV strategies to meet community needs.

Social Media Content

Help spread the word about RSV risks by sharing these images on social media. 

Our Partners & Supporters

The RSV Alliance is proud to collaborate with organizations committed to improving RSV awareness that share our commitment to improving awareness, prevention, and care for at-risk adults.

Core Members:

• Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP)
• International Federation on Ageing (IFA)

Industry Core Member and Funder:

• GSK

Scientific Oversight:

• European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI)

Additional partners and supporters may be listed here as they join the Alliance.