RSV is a common cause of respiratory infection. It mostly affects young children. Adults can also get sick from RSV. RSV symptoms are usually mild. However, some children and adults can get very sick. They may need to go to hospital for treatment. Some babies and older people can have a RSV immunisation or vaccine.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory infections. RSV mostly affects young children. Adults can also get sick from RSV. Most infections in NSW happen in late autumn or winter.
Most people only get mild symptoms. Symptoms usually begin around 2 to 8 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms can include:
Babies under one year of age are more likely to get breathing problems from RSV infection. This can include bronchiolitis or pneumonia . Babies may be unsettled or have trouble with feeding.
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:
RSV can affect anyone. You will likely only have a mild illness.
However, some people can get very sick. This includes:
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.
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:
Some babies and older people can get an RSV immunisation or vaccine.
Some babies are at higher risk of severe illness from RSV (see 'Who is at higher risk of severe illness from RSV?' section above). They may be eligible to get an immunisation. These immunisations help protect them from severe illness.
The immunisation is called Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab). In NSW, it is given to babies under 12 months of age who are at the highest risk of severe illness from RSV.
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.
An RSV vaccine called Arexvy is available if you are aged 60 years and older and may be at higher risk of severe illness from RSV. This vaccine is not free.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine, whether it is recommended for you and cost. Read the latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
Most people with RSV can manage their symptoms safely at home.
Most symptoms can be managed with:
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.
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:
Call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department immediately if your child shows severe symptoms like:
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.