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Frequently asked questions


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  • What is RSV?

    Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious respiratory virus that not only affects children,1,2 but also adults throughout their lives.1–3 Although often mild,1,4 RSV can be serious in older adults.5–7

  • What are the symptoms of RSV?

    RSV symptoms in adults may include nasal congestion, cough, tiredness, fever, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and headache.1,2,5

     

    Although RSV infections are usually mild,1,4 in more severe cases, shortness of breath, wheezing, rapid breathing and trouble breathing can occur.1,2,5

  • How can RSV infection affect adults?

    Although usually mild,1,4 RSV infection can be serious in older adults.5–7 
This is partly because the immune system typically weakens with age, making it harder to fight off infections like RSV.1,8,9

     

    Lower respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, can occur in older adults.1,5

     

    Compared with younger adults, older adults may have higher rates of severe infections from RSV that may lead to hospitalisation.5–7

  • Is RSV contagious in adults?

    RSV is contagious and can be easily spread to family members including adults and children.1,10 It can be spread through coughs or sneezes from infected people, direct contact with infected people, or a person touching their face after having touched a contaminated surface.1,2

  • How long are you contagious with RSV?

    Most people are contagious for up to 10 days,11,12 but some people with ongoing symptoms or serious illness may be contagious for longer.12

  • How do you know if you have RSV?

    A diagnosis of RSV infection can be confirmed by your doctor by collecting a nose or throat swab for laboratory (PCR) testing.12,13 At-home testing is also possible with an RSV rapid antigen test, available from pharmacies or supermarkets.11

     

    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which test is right for you.

  • How long can RSV symptoms last in adults?

    RSV symptoms can last up to 2 weeks1 and, while usually mild, can be severe in some cases.1,4

  • What time of year is RSV most common?

    RSV tends to be more common in the autumn and winter months in Australia but can occur all year round.14–16

  • Are there factors that increase the risk of serious infection in adults?

    Age and any chronic medical conditions are significant factors when considering the risk of RSV infection.5–7,17

     

    Certain underlying conditions can put older adults at greater risk for serious complications compared with those without the condition. These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and congestive heart failure (CHF).7,17,18

  • If I have a medical condition that affects the heart or 
lungs, what is my risk of severe RSV infection?

    RSV can be more severe in older adults with chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure (CHF) than adults without these conditions.7,17,18 RSV infection is also associated with exacerbations of COPD or CHF in older adults.5,19–22 

  • What is my risk of hospitalisation if I have an underlying medical condition that affects the heart or lungs and catch RSV?

    RSV infection can increase the risk of hospitalisation for older adults who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure (CHF) compared with older adults without these conditions.7,17,18

  • Why are older adults susceptible to serious RSV infection?

    The immune system typically weakens as we age, making it harder to fight off infections like RSV.1,8,9 Being an older adult can be associated with a greater risk of RSV infection23 as well as a higher rate of severe infection that may lead to hospitalisation compared with younger adults.1,6,7

  • Are RSV and pneumonia the same thing?

    No. While they both can affect your lungs, RSV is a common virus that can cause respiratory symptoms ranging from cold-like to more serious infections.1 Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, such as with bacteria or a virus, causing inflammation and symptoms including cough and difficulty breathing.24 RSV infection can be a cause of pneumonia in severe cases in older adults.1,5  

  • How is RSV treated?

    RSV does not have any specific treatments available, but it can often be managed with rest and lots of fluids. Some people, especially vulnerable groups, may require other treatment from their doctor or in hospital.12,25

  • How can I protect myself and others against RSV?

    There are some ways you can help prevent RSV infections from spreading, which include washing your hands with warm water and soap, covering your coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces around you, and staying home when you're feeling sick.12

     

    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your risk of RSV, its potential impacts, and about preventative measures that may help protect you.

For more information about RSV,
talk to your healthcare professional.

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References: 1. Kaler J et al. Cureus 2023;15(3):e36342. 2. Kodama F et al. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2017;31:767–90. 3. Openshaw PJM et al. Annu Rev Immunol 2017;35:501–32. 4. Korsten K et al. Eur Respir J 2021;57(4):2002688. 5. Tseng HF et al. J Infect Dis 2020;222(8):1298–1310. 6. Saravanos GL et al. Med J Aust 2019;210(10):447–53. 7. Branche AR et al. Clin Infect Dis 2022;74(6):1004–11. 8. Ascough S et al. Lancet Healthy Longev 2022;3(6):e405–16. 9. Watson A et al. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2021;15:1753466621995050. 10. Otomaru H et al. Am J Epidemiol 2021;190:2536–43. 11. Australian Centre for Disease Control. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [updated 2024 Dec 20; accessed 2025 Jan 29]. Available from: w​ww.cdc.gov.au/topic​s/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv 12. Better Health Channel. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [updated 2025 Jan 7; accessed 2025 Jan 29]. Available from: w​ww.betterhealth.vic​.gov.au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv 13. Australian Centre for Disease Control. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for health professionals [updated 2024 Dec 20; accessed 2025 Jan 29]. Available from: w​ww.cd​c.gov.au/topics/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-health-professionals 14. Di Giallonardo F et al. Viruses 2018;10(9):476. 15. Obando-Pacheco P et al. J Inf Dis 2018;217(9):1356–64. 16. Bloom-Feshbach K et al. PloS One 2013;8:e54445. 17. Prasad N et al. Clin Infect Dis 2021;73(1):e158–63. 18. Kujawski SA et al. PLoS One 2022;17(3):e0264890. 19. Falsey AR et al. N Engl J Med 1995;172(2):389–94. 20. Falsey AR et al. N Engl J Med 2005;352(17):1749–59. 21. Anderson NW et al. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2016;85(3):367–71. 22. Zwaans WA et al. J Clin Wirol 2014;61(2):181–8. 23. Mesa-Frias M et al. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2022;28(7):753–65. 24. Vaughn VM et al. JAMA 2024;332(15):1282–95. 25. Health Direct. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [updated 2025 Feb; accessed 2025 Feb 20]. Available from: w​ww.heal​thdirect.g​ov.au/respirat​ory-syncytial-virus-rsv