​​​What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory infections. Respiratory infections can affect the nose, throat and breathing passages including the lungs. RSV mostly affects young children. Adults can also get sick from RSV. Most infections in NSW happen in late autumn or winter.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Most people only get mild symptoms. Symptoms usually begin around 2 to 8 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms can include:

• runny nose
• cough
• wheeze
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• cyanosis (bluish or greyish colour of the skin).

Babies under one year of age are more likely to get breathing problems from RSV infection. This can include bronchiolitis or pneumonia which are types of lung infections. Babies may be unsettled or have trouble with feeding.

How is RSV spread?

RSV is very infectious. This means it spreads easily from one person to another. People are usually infectious when they have symptoms.

RSV is spread in droplets. These droplets get into the air or on a surface when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.

You can get RSV if you:

• breathe in the droplets from an infected person
• touch a surface or object that droplets from an infected person have landed on and then touch your mouth or nose.

Am I at higher risk of severe illness from RSV?

RSV can affect anyone. You will likely only have a mild illness.

However, some people can get very sick. This includes:

• babies aged 12 months and under, especially those aged 6 months and under
• children aged 2 years and under with medical conditions. This could be chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.
• children aged 2 and under who were born pre-term or with a low birthweight
• older adults, especially those with chronic heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems.

If your child has asthma, RSV may cause a flare-up of their symptoms (asthma attack).

People who get severely unwell may need to go to hospital to help manage their symptoms.

How do I protect myself and others from RSV?

The best way to reduce the risk of spreading RSV is to have good hygiene.

If you or your child have RSV symptoms, please help protect others:

• Stay at home if you have cold or flu symptoms and wear a mask i you need to leave home. Masks are not suitable for children under 2 years as they can be choking hazards. 
• Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
  
• Avoid crowded places
• Don't visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms
  
• Practice good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing.
  

Is there a vaccine or immunisation for RSV?

For your baby

Some babies at higher risk of  RSV may be eligible Beyfortus^™ (nirsevimab)to protect them from severe illness.

Beyfortus^™ (nirsevimab) is an antibody that is a type of immunisation. 

A doctor will tell you if immunisation is right for your baby. They will organise it for you.

If you are a parent or carer, read the Beyfortus^™ (nirsevimab) information.

If you are pregnant

​The Abrysvo vaccine is recommended if you are pregnant between 28-36 weeks gestation. This vaccine helps protect your baby from severe illness caused by RSV. For more information, read the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommendation on Abrysvo.

If you are aged over 60 years

There are two types of RSV vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, which are available if y​ou are aged 60 years and older and may be at higher ri​sk of severe illness from RSV.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine, whether they are recommended for you and the cost. Read the Australian Immunisation Handbook – RSV.

How is RSV diagnosed?​

How is RSV managed?

Most people with RSV can manage their symptoms safely at home.

Most symptoms can be managed with:

• rest
• paracetamol and ibuprofen to relieve pain
• regular sips of water or frequent feeds for babies to stay hydrated.

Continue to take any medications you have been prescribed by your doctor. Call your doctor or healthdirect (1800 022 222) if you are unsure about your current medication or treatment or worried about your symptoms.

You or your child may need to go to hospital for treatment if your symptoms are severe.

For babies?

RSV can cause a chest infection called bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis can usually be managed at home. Read more information about bronchiolitis.

Symptoms can be more severe in babies under six months of age. They can include:

• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• irritability
• poor feeding

Call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department immediately if your child shows severe symptoms like:

• difficulty breathing
• grunting noises while breathing
• dehydration – when a child is not taking in enough fluid
• blue-coloured lips or skin.

Further information

Speak to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free 24-hour health advice.

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) also has frequently asked questions about RSV.