Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes infection in the lungs and airways. It spreads very easily. It’s one of the most common causes of respiratory (breathing) infections in children.

RSV can affect people of all ages, but is likely to be more serious for:

• babies aged 12 months or under
• young children or older adults with chronic health conditions

You can get RSV multiple times. Recovery from RSV gives some immunity (protection) against getting it again, but this immunity is not long-lasting.

In most people, RSV causes mild respiratory illness. Symptoms may be like a common cold.

You usually first see symptoms around 5 days after being exposed to the virus. You may feel worse over the first 3 to 4 days of the illness, but then you will start to improve.

Symptoms may include:

• runny nose
• cough
• sneezing
• wheezing
• fever

RSV is a highly contagious virus, that causes lung and airway infections. It spreads through tiny droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Being in close contact with someone who has RSV makes it more likely that you will catch the virus.

You are usually infectious (can pass on the virus) for up to 8 days after your symptoms start. RSV is very contagious (easy to catch). The virus can live on surfaces for several hours, or your unwashed hands for 30 to 60 minutes.

Stopping the spread of RSV can be hard. Regular handwashing and good hygiene can help stop you passing the virus to others.

RSV can be diagnosed by:

• a laboratory test on a swab (sample) taken from your nose and throat
• a blood test to look for antibodies to the virus

Doctors can often diagnose a child with severe RSV infection based on their signs and symptoms.

Home testing kits are also available that can test for different viruses, including RSV, influenza and COVID-19.

There is no specific treatment for RSV, but having lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids will help you recover. Most people recover from RSV in about 10 days.

Antibiotics don't work against RSV, because it is a virus.

How is RSV treated in babies?

You can usually manage mild cases of RSV at home. Often, you won't need to give your baby medicine, and they will just need to rest.

There are some things you can do at home to make sure your baby stays hydrated and comfortable. It may be easier for your baby to drink small amounts often. So, offer your baby their bottle or a breastfeed at frequent intervals.

If your baby has a fever, you can treat it with paracetamol or ibuprofen (in doses recommended on the bottle).

Young babies, premature babies, babies with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, and babies with severe bronchiolitis may need to go to hospital for help with breathing or feeding.

You should bring your child to see a doctor if:

• they have a high fever
• they are having difficulty feeding or are refusing to feed or eat
• their cough becomes worse
• you are concerned about your child's breathing

It’s not possible to prevent RSV infection. Vaccines and other immunisation products (monoclonal antibodies) can help reduce the severity of illness, particularly for very young children and older people.

Who is at risk of severe illness with RSV?

Conditions that increase the risk of severe disease in adults include:

• chronic metabolic disorders — including diabetes (Opens in new tab)
• chronic kidney disease (Opens in new tab)
• chronic liver disease (Opens in new tab)
• chronic neurological conditions — including seizure disorders
• living with obesity (Opens in new tab)

Conditions that increase the risk of severe disease in children include:

• premature birth
• cardiac disease
• ongoing respiratory conditions
• neuromuscular disorders — including cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy
• weakened immune system conditions
• Down syndrome

Vaccination

RSV vaccination is recommended for:

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

Other immunisation medicines

RSV medicine (monoclonal antibody immunisation) is recommended for:

• young babies whose mothers did not receive the RSV vaccine in pregnancy, or who were vaccinated less than 2 weeks before birth
• young babies who have a higher chance of severe RSV infection, regardless of their mother’s vaccination status
• children who have medical risk factors for severe RSV infection in their second RSV season

Two monoclonal antibodies are currently available in Australia for young children. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) and Synagis (palivizumab).

These medicines provide passive immunity to RSV. They work by giving your baby readymade antibodies (which fight infection), providing some level of protection against RSV.

In most states and territories in Australia, eligible children can get free access to RSV monoclonal antibodies.

To find out more, talk to your doctor, child health nurse or vaccine provider.

RSV vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnant women can now be vaccinated with Abrysvo between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Anti-RSV antibodies will pass from mother to baby and help protect your baby from birth to 6 months. Abrysvo is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) (Opens in new tab). To be eligible for a free NIP vaccine, you must hold or be eligible for a Medicare card.

Speak to your doctor, midwife or vaccine provider about getting vaccinated for RSV during pregnancy. The vaccine should be repeated during each pregnancy.
It’s safe to have the RSV vaccine while breastfeeding. However, getting the vaccine during breastfeeding does not protect your baby as much as getting the vaccine during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.

If you have already had your baby, you will not be eligible to receive the RSV vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.

For other people there may also be a charge to receive RSV vaccinations.

Other ways to prevent the spread of RSV

Other ways to prevent RSV include maintaining good hygiene and teaching older children about personal hygiene (Opens in new tab). Tips for good hygiene include:

• hand washing (Opens in new tab)
• covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing
• regularly cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated
• avoiding sharing cups and eating utensils
• staying at home if you feel unwell

Babies and children with RSV can have complications including bronchiolitis, pneumonia and ear infections.

If your child develops these complications, your doctor may recommend you take care of them at home with close follow-up. Your doctor may suggest they go to hospital if they need help with breathing or feeding.

Older people and people who have problems with their heart, lungs or immune system are also at risk from RSV infections.

For more information about RSV and its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, speak to your doctor.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also find out more information at the following websites:

• The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) fact sheet on RSV (Opens in new tab)
• NSW Health fact sheet on RSV (Opens in new tab)

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has translated information on RSV (Opens in new tab).

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has a First Nations Maternal RSV Fact sheet (Opens in new tab) about RSV vaccination during pregnancy.