Ms. Thuy, 83, residing in Binh Loi Trung, Ho Chi Minh City, dedicates 15 minutes daily to deep breathing exercises, aiming to improve lung function. Doctors explained her slow recovery is due to severe pneumonia coupled with asthma, necessitating a long period of rehabilitation.

Every time the weather changes or she inhales dust, she develops a cough and fever. Consequently, a face mask and scarf are her constant companions. She seeks medical attention immediately upon experiencing illness symptoms. In November 2025, tests confirmed she did not have an RSV infection, but she required treatment for pharyngitis and bronchitis, taking medication for nearly one month to recover, incurring costs exceeding 10 million VND.

Elderly people with severe RSV pneumonia will recover slowly, so they should actively prevent the disease. Photo: Dieu Thuan

A doctor advised her to get vaccinated for better prevention. At VNVC Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City, she received additional counseling about the RSV vaccine and decided to get it.

"Elderly patients often undergo prolonged, costly treatment with slow recovery. Compared to the tens of millions of dong in medication and hospitalization costs when sick, the vaccine cost is much lower", Ms. Thuy stated.

Mr. Pham Van Bao, 69, residing in Binh Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and his wife, two years younger, also experienced prolonged fatigue after treating severe pneumonia in late 2025. The fluctuating seasonal weather and air pollution have weakened them, causing them to frequently stay indoors.

Therefore, their youngest son, Pham Phuong Toan, 34, decided to have his parents vaccinated against RSV, pneumococcal disease, and influenza in mid-December 2025, hoping the vaccines would boost their immunity.

According to Master, Doctor Ngo Thi Kim Phuong, Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System, elderly individuals often have reduced immunity, so their bodies take longer to fight viruses and repair lung damage. Underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicate treatment, easily prolonging recovery. Additionally, poor clearance of mucus makes airways susceptible to obstruction, causing respiratory difficulties and slower recovery compared to younger people.

RSV is a leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young children and the elderly. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. In the elderly, a weakened immune system, multiple underlying conditions, and poor mucus clearance make RSV prone to causing airway obstruction, progressing to pneumonia or respiratory failure, and exacerbating chronic conditions such as: COPD, asthma, diabetes, heart failure.

Due to initial symptoms resembling a common cold, many people are complacent and self-treat, leading to delayed hospitalization and an increased risk of complications. International data indicates that for every 10 elderly individuals infected with RSV, one requires intensive care, and approximately one-third experience difficulties in daily activities after discharge.

Mr. Pham Van Bao and his wife receiving RSV, pneumococcal, and flu vaccines at VNVC Vaccination System. Photo: Dieu Thuan

To prevent illness, elderly individuals need to manage underlying conditions, wear face masks, wash hands frequently, maintain household hygiene, eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and stay physically active to improve their overall health.

Vaccination helps elderly people actively prevent RSV disease effectively. Vietnam currently offers RSV vaccines, administered as a single dose, for individuals aged 60 and older, and those with chronic conditions.

Besides RSV, elderly individuals should be fully vaccinated against influenza, measles, chickenpox, and pneumococcal disease to prevent pneumonia complications. Elderly people need one influenza shot, repeated annually as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO); measles and chickenpox vaccines require two doses for up to 98% efficacy; there are 5 types of pneumococcal vaccines, with elderly individuals able to receive pneumococcal 13, pneumococcal 15, pneumococcal 20, and pneumococcal 23, and doctors will advise on a suitable vaccination schedule based on age and vaccination history.

Phuc An