RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that not only affects infants,1,2 but also adults throughout their lives.1–3
Although often mild,1,4 RSV can be serious in older adults.4–7
What’s the difference between a common cold, flu, COVID-19 and RSV?
Although the symptoms can be similar, RSV is not the same as these other conditions. The difference between RSV, COVID-19 and flu is that they are all caused by different viruses.8 The only way to know for sure is to get tested if you have symptoms.1 Learn more about testing here.
Did you know?
In Australia, RSV infections tend to occur most commonly in autumn and winter, but can occur all year round.9–11
Find out about your risk
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. Grech AK et al. BMC Infect Dis 2024;24(1):38. 9. Di Giallonardo F et al. Viruses 2018;10(9):476. 10. Obando-Pacheco P et al. J Inf Dis 2018;217(9):1356–64. 11. Bloom-Feshbach K et al. PloS One 2013;8:e54445.
