RSV is a common cause of respiratory infection, but some children and older adults can get very sick. There are immunisations that can help to reduce their risk.
Find the facts
Most people with RSV infection only have mild symptoms. Symptoms can include:
Runny or blocked nose
Cough
Fever
Breathing problems in babies less than 1 year of age
Call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department immediately if your child shows severe symptoms like:
If you need advice, call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (available 24 hours) and a nurse will answer your call.
From 3 February 2025, the RSV vaccine Abrysvo® will be available for free for pregnant women to protect their babies from RSV. The vaccine can be given any time between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and is usually given at 28 weeks. Some infants may also require their own RSV immunisations.
NSW Health report on notifications of respiratory syncytial virus in NSW residents, by month of disease onset. View data by time period, age and gender or local health district.
View data on RSV
