Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory infections that can affect people of all ages, especially in infants and young children 1.
RSV infections most commonly affect children and babies younger than two, and is one the main causes of the common cold and ear infections.
Severe RSV infection can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia and croup.
You can protect yourself and your family from RSV by booking a vaccination at your local Blooms The Chemist today.
*Minimum age restrictions apply. Speak to your Pharmacist about the minimum age for child vaccinations. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (parent or guardian must bring photo ID as proof of guardianship).
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) FAQs
What is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause respiratory infections that affect your lungs and airways1.
RSV causes cold like symptoms that can cause breathing problems or mild illness.
RSV can cause ear infections, pneumonia, croup and can worsen pre-existing heart problems, such as heart failure, or lung problems like asthma.
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024
What are the symptoms of RSV(respiratory syncytial virus)?
RSV can affect people of all ages, especially young children and infants. Symptoms usually occur within five days and can last for one to two weeks.
Some mild symptoms of RSV include1:
- sore throat
- fever
- loss of appetite
- sneezing
- coughing
- runny nose
You should also look for signs and symptoms of severe illness, including pneumonia and croup. Symptoms include:
- looking or feeling unwell
- high fever
- worsening coughs
- looking or feeling very tired and irritable
- trouble breathing
High-risk groups, such as infants and young children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a weakened immune system, are most at risk of serious illness from RSV infection.
Other at-risk groups include people who have chronic lung disease or chronic heart conditions.
You should seek medical attention or visit the nearest hospital emergency department to be treated if your symptoms worsen.
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024
How is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) spread?
RSV is caused by a virus and spread through small water droplets from infected people through coughing, sneezing and talking.
It also spreads through direct contact with items containing mucus from an infected person's nose or throat1.
RSV survives for longer on hard surfaces than it does on tissues and hands, which are soft surfaces.
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024
How do I get diagnosed with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)?
A doctor can only confirm RSV infections after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results1.
You can also do a self-test at home to confirm whether or not you have an RSV infection.
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024
How is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) treated?
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for RSV. Antibiotics don't work against RSV, as it is a virus.
However, most people recover from RSV in around 10 days.
Young children and babies take around eight to 15 days to recover from RSV.
You can treat RSV through1:
-
resting
-
drinking plenty of fluids
-
paracetamol
Babies with RSV need small, regular amounts of fluid, which can include breastmilk, formula or water.
You should give your children aged 11 and under paracetamol or ibuprofen, as you should never give aspirin to children under 12 years of age.
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024
How can I prevent getting RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)?
An RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 75 years and older, as well as adults aged 60-74 who may be at higher risk of severe disease, which can help protect against illness and complications from RSV infection.
You can also try and stop the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by1:
-
staying home if you're unwell
-
regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap
-
regularly clean surfaces and objects such as toys that may be contaminated using a household detergent
-
avoid contact with higher risk groups, including infants, young children, older adults and people with a pre-existing heart condition or lung problems. You should also avoid contact with people who have weakened immune systems.
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024
Is the RSV vaccine free for me?
The RSV vaccine is not funded under the National Immunisation Program and is not free for anyone1.
1Better Health Victoria, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), accessed 1 July 2024