Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can affect your lungs and airways and is a lower respiratory infection. It’s highly contagious and spreads easily through coughs and sneezes. Anyone can get it, but it is most common among young children. While adults usually experience RSV the same way as a mild cold, it can be very dangerous for people with other health problems.

Symptoms

For most adults, RSV looks like a common cold:

• Cough   
• Runny nose   
• Sore throat   
• Headache   

Symptoms usually last 2-8 days but can take longer or get worse, especially if you already have a health problem.   

Prevention

If you have a lung disease, please be aware that young children often have RSV, so you might need to stay away from them when they’re unwell. RSV is very contagious, and can spread for up to 10 days after symptoms start.   

To protect against RSV:

• Stay home when you’re sick
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
• Wash your hands often
• Wear a mask

RSV vaccine

A RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women to protect their newborn, people aged 60 and over, and people aged 50-59 with certain medical conditions. Since February 2025, the vaccine has been free for pregnant women and may become free for some older adults. Talk to your doctor about getting the vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, people aged 75+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+, and people aged 60+ with certain medical conditions, including bronchiectasis, COPD, cystic fibrosis and severe asthma.

If you aren’t eligible for a free vaccine, try contacting your private health insurer as vaccines can sometimes be subsidised through extras cover.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can get RSV, but some people are more likely to have a severe case: 

• Adults with long-term lung or heart disease   
• Adults with weaker immune systems   
• Adults over 75   

You’re more likely to catch RSV if you have fatigue or poor health.

Diagnosis and treatment

Your doctor might use a nose and throat swab or a blood test to see if you have RSV. 

There’s no special treatment for RSV. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses. Getting plenty of rest and fluids is best. You can also take over-the-counter medications for fever and pain. Most people get better in 1-2 weeks. 

Talk to your doctor if you’re in a high-risk group. If you have COPD or asthma, keep taking your medications and follow your action plan. 

When to get emergency help:

Go to the hospital or call 000 if you have: 

• Shortness of breath   
• High fever   
• Bluish skin   
• Wheezing or a cough that gets worse

You may need oxygen or IV fluids (drip) in the hospital.