Health

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes respiratory infections. Respiratory infections can affect the nose, throat and breathing passages including the lungs. RSV mostly affects young children. Adults can also get sick from RSV. Most infections in NSW happen in late autumn or winter.

Symptoms usually begin around 2 to 8 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms can include:

•runny nose

•cough

•wheeze

•difficulty breathing

•fever

•cyanosis (bluish or greyish colour of the skin).

Babies under one year of age are more likely to get breathing problems from RSV infection. This can include bronchiolitis or pneumonia which are types of lung infections. 

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:

•breathe in the droplets from an infected person

•touch a surface or object that droplets from an infected person have landed on and then touch your mouth or nose.

RSV can affect anyone. You will likely only have a mild illness. However, some people can get very sick.

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:

•Stay at home if you have cold or flu symptoms and wear a mask if you need to leave home. Masks are not suitable for children under 2 years as they can be choking hazards. Children under 12 years should wear an appropriately fitted mask.

 •Get togeter outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows

•Avoid crowded places

•Don't visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms

•Practice good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing