RSV is a common respiratory infection. It mostly affects young children. Adults can also get it. RSV symptoms are usually mild. However, some children and adults can get very sick and need to go to hospital for treatment. RSV if estimated to cause one in 50 deaths in children under five. In the over 65 age group, at least 300,000 people are admitted to hospital with RSV each year.
Symptoms can include;
- Runny nose
- cough
- wheeze
- difficulty breathing
- fever
- cyanosis (bluish or greyish colour of skin)
Babies under one year of age are more likely to get breathing problems from an RSV infection. This can include bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Children who get severely unwell may need to go to hospital.
Most infections in NSW occur in the cooler months of late autumn or winter.
Can RSV be prevented?
RSV is highly contagious and you can be infectious with RSV for up to 10 days afters symptoms start.
To prevent the spread of RSV;
- Stay home when sick
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue (not your hand)
- Wash your hands with soapy water and use hand sanitiser when out and about
- Wear a mask where possible
- Avoid contact with anyone sick.
What vaccinations or immunisations are available for RSV?
Pregnant women, some babies and older people can now get an immunisation or RSV vaccine.
For those over 60 years;
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.
It has been recommended by ATAGI (The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) for;
- All adults aged 75 years or older
- All Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years or older
- All adults aged 60 years or older with at least one other risk factor for severe disease. These risk factors include any chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, and a compromised immune system (e.g. due to chemotherapy or other medications).
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine, whether it is recommended for you and cost (at YFD it is available for $315)
For Pregnant Women;
Pregnant women from 28 – 36 weeks of pregnancy are now eligible for the maternal RSV vaccine Abrsyvo to protect their unborn child. It helps your body make antibodies to fight infection. Studies show that babies of mothers who had Abrsyvo during pregnancy were 70% less likely to be hospitalised with RSV in their first 6 months.
From the 3rd February 2025 it became free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) . Vaccination with Abrysvo® in pregnancy is recommended for all pregnant women. This vaccine can be given anytime between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy however, for best protection getting it as close to 28 weeks is preferred. It can be given at the same time as the whooping cough or influenza vaccine. This gives enough time for your body to produce enough antibodies to protect your baby when they are born. If you get the vaccine less than 2 weeks before giving birth, your baby may not be fully protected from RSV. See your GP or maternity care provider to receive the vaccine.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/abrysvo.aspx
For babies;
An immunisation called Beyfortus (nirsevimab), a monoclonal antibody (mAB) has been approved for babies who are at risk of severe illness from RSV. It is a passive immunisation that provides antibodies directly to the infant for immediate protection. The antibody protects against RSV for at least 5 months after a single dose. Medical studies have shown Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab) to be around 80 percent effective in preventing children from being hospitalised with RSV during the RSV season.
For babies who are not protected by pregnancy vaccination, an infant RSV immunisation (nirsevimab) is recommended at birth to protect them from RSV. Nirsevimab is also recommended for babies with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV. It is a pre-made antibody that gives babies immediate protection from RSV.
Under the new NSW RSV Prevention Program, nirsevimab is recommended at birth for babies who are born on or after 17 March 2025:
- to a mother who did not get the RSV vaccine Abrysvo® during pregnancy
- to a mother who had the RSV vaccine Abrysvo® less than 2 weeks before giving birth
- to a mother who has a very weak immune system (even if she had the RSV vaccine).
Some children also need another dose of nirsevimab in their second year of life if they have a medical condition that makes them more likely to get very sick from RSV.
Babies born from 1 October 2024 that missed out on nirsevimab at birth under the NSW RSV Vulnerable Babies Program are also recommended to receive nirsevimab.
Where can babies recieve nirsevimab?
From 17 March 2025:
- Babies that should have nirsevimab at birth under the new NSW RSV Prevention Program will get it in the hospital where they are born.
- Children up to 24 months of age who are eligible to receive nirsevimab, or if they missed out on nirsevimab at birth under the NSW RSV Vulnerable Babies Program, can get it from their local doctor or Aboriginal medical service. Some community health centres may also offer it.
Talk to your doctor to if you think your baby should have nirsevimab.
Nirsevimab is free to eligible babies to protect them from severe RSV illness. It is not available for private purchase
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/nirsevimab-parents-and-carers.aspx
Treatment of RSV
There is no specific treatment for RSV. Most people can be managed at home with
- rest
- fluids (for babies – small, regular amounts of fluid (breastmilk, formula or water).
- paracetamol or ibuprofen for fevers or pain.
Antibiotics don’t work against RSV because it is a virus.
Recovery can take 8 – 15 days.
For children that show severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, dehydration , blueness in the lips or skin – call triple zero (000) or go to hospital.
Resources
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/nirsevimab-professionals.aspx