Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infections.
While it affects people of all ages, infants and young children are most frequently affected.
Infants and older adults are most at risk of serious illness.
It occurs more frequently in autumn and winter.
Most people have mild to moderate illness that self-resolves.
Infants and people with pre-existing heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system have a higher risk of serious illness.
It can spread from person-to-person so good hand washing, respiratory hygiene and cleaning practices are important in preventing RSV.
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.
A National RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) will be established in 2025, providing free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women and state funded immunisation for eligible infants to protect against severe RSV.
Vaccination to protect people aged 60 years and older from severe illness due to RSV is available. Speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that can cause respiratory infections that affect the airways and lungs.
It affects people of all ages but especially infants and young children. Most young children have been infected with RSV at some stage by the age of 2 years. It is usually seasonal, occurring more frequently in autumn and winter.
It is one of the most frequent causes of the common cold and ear infections. It can also cause more serious respiratory infections such as:
bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways in the lungs)
RSV can also worsen pre-existing heart or lung problems such as heart failure or asthma.
Symptoms of RSV
Symptoms usually occur within 5 days but can occur as soon as one day or up to 10 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 weeks.
Most people get mild to moderate illness that self-resolves. Symptoms are similar to a common cold and can include:
Signs and symptoms of serious respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia and croup can include:
looking or feeling very unwell
wheezing or difficulty breathing including rapid, shallow or irregular breathing
blue discolouration or paleness of the skin
looking or feeling very tired or irritable
eating or drinking less than their usual amount
persistent or high fevers
worsening cough or mucous producing cough.
Seek medical care if symptoms do not resolve, symptoms worsen, or if there are signs and symptoms of serious respiratory infections.
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.
Spread of RSV
A person with RSV is infectious from just before the onset of illness until usually 10 days after symptoms begin, but this may be longer in people with ongoing symptoms or serious illness.
RSV can spread easily from person-to-person through:
respiratory droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing
touching objects and surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets.
The virus can survive on objects and surfaces for several hours so good cleaning, hand washing, and respiratory hygiene practices are important in preventing spread.
People who have previously had RSV are still susceptible to repeat infections.
High-risk groups
Infants, young children, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with a pre-existing heart or lung problem or a weakened immune system are most at-risk of serious illness from RSV.
Prevention of RSV
RSV vaccination is recommended for:
all people aged 75 years and older and 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 and
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.
National RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP)
A nationally consistent immunisation program for mothers and babies will be established in 2025 to protect infants from RSV. The National RSV Mother & Infant Protection Program (RSV-MIPP) will offer immunisation products to pregnant women and infants.
Vaccination for pregnant women
A single dose of an RSV vaccine will be provided to pregnant women between 28-36 weeks of their pregnancy under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This vaccine will provide protection against RSV for their infant through the passing of antibodies from the mother to the unborn baby.
Infant immunisation
In Victoria, a complimentary infant RSV immunisation program to protect infants most at risk from severe RSV disease, will run from April to September 2025.
Under this new program, eligible infants and young children whose mothers did not receive maternal Abrysvo® vaccine during pregnancy and those most at risk of severe RSV will have access to a free long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody, Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab).
The RSV Infant Immunisation Program will be delivered through participating public and private birthing hospitals, community immunisation clinics, general practices, and Aboriginal Health Services.
Good cleaning, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices are important in preventing the spread of RSV, especially in people with symptoms:
Stay home if unwell.
Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ideally using a disposable tissue.
Regularly wash hands with warm water and soap or use hand sanitiser.
Regularly clean surfaces and objects such as toys that may be contaminated using a household detergent.
Avoid contact with high-risk groups when unwell, such as infants, young children, older people and people with a pre-existing heart or lung problem or a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis of RSV
RSV infections are usually diagnosed from symptoms and clinical examination by the doctor. RSV and other kinds of viruses can only be confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results.
Treatment of RSV
Treatment of RSV is mainly supportive through:
rest
drinking plenty of fluids
paracetamol.
RSV is a viral infection so antibiotics are not effective.
Some people, especially high-risk groups, may require additional treatment from their GP or hospital admission.
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