Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the airways and lungs. RSV spreads easily from person to person and can cause mild cold-like illness, but it can also cause more serious infection, especially in young infants and older adults.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms usually begin a few days after contact with RSV and may include:
- runny or blocked nose
- cough
- sore throat
- fever
- headache or discomfort
In young babies, RSV can sometimes cause more severe symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing or poor feeding. Most people recover from RSV within a few days to a week.
Treatment
Most people with RSV recover at home with rest, fluids and simple medicines to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics do not work for RSV because it is a virus.
Severe illness may require medical care, especially for high-risk groups (see below). Speak to your health professional if you, or someone you care for, are concerned about symptoms.
Transmission
RSV spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes, releasing droplets into the air. People can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their face. People are usually most infectious in the first few days of illness.
If you have RSV symptoms, stay home while you are unwell and avoid close contact with babies, young children and people at higher risk of severe illness.
Groups at higher risk
Some people are more likely to get very sick from RSV, including:
- babies and young children, especially those under 6 months old
- older adults
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
These groups should seek medical advice early if they develop RSV symptoms.
Prevention
Vaccination is recommended to help protect people at higher risk of severe RSV illness. For the most current advice on vaccination, eligibility and recommended products, use the following links, or speak with your health professional:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- RSV immunisation | Vaccination Matters Queensland Health
Other prevention steps
You can also reduce the spread of RSV by:
- staying home when you are sick
- washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub
- covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow and disposing of used tissues immediately
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as door handles
- improving ventilation by opening windows and spending time outdoors
Other resources
- Australian CDC https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/covid-19
- Healthdirect COVID-19 — vaccination, testing, symptoms | healthdirect
Help and assistance
If you are concerned about symptoms:
- Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or speak to your health professional for advice.