What is RSV?

RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a virus that infects the lungs and the airways.

It is mostly seasonal, occurring more frequently in autumn and winter and can affect people of all ages.

Mild to moderate illness self-resolves, with common symptoms including a runny nose, a sore throat, coughing, sneezing, fevers, body pains, headaches and/or loss of appetite that usually lasts for 1-2 weeks.

Infants, young children, elderly, people with a pre-existing lung or heart disease and those with a weak immune system are at a higher risk.

RSV is preventable.

Stay home if unwell, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash hands with warm water and soap or use hand sanitiser, wear a mask in crowded places and avoid contact with high-risk groups if you feel unwell.

RSV vaccination is available and is recommended for:

• all people aged 75 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and older
• people with medical risk factors for severe RSV disease aged 60 years and older
• pregnant women (to protect their newborn infant).

An immunisation product is also available for eligible infants.

People are strongly advised to stay up to date with recommended vaccination against other respiratory infections, such as influenza and COVID-19.

Call an ambulance or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if your child is turning blue, having trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly.

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

For more information, head to the Better Health Channel.