RSV is everywhere right now. What parents need to know about respiratory syncytial virus

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This winter, we’re having to get our heads around another respiratory virus – RSV.

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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

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This winter, we’re having to get our heads around another respiratory virus – RSV.
It’s less well known than COVID or flu, but it’s also responsible for unplanned visits to the GP or emergency department, and days off school, childcare and work.

This common respiratory virus usually causes a mild cold with symptoms such as a fever, runny nose, coughing, decreased appetite and a wheeze.
Adults can be infected infected with RSV but usually recover in a few days.
But in young babies RSV can cause more severe respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

First Nations children are three to six times more likely to be hospitalised with bronchiolitis caused by RSV than non-First Nations children.
Otherwise healthy children under 12 months old (usually under six months old) are the ones most often admitted to hospital.

But measures earlier in the COVID pandemic limited the spread of RSV.
However, many states are experiencing a winter surge in cases and hospitalisations attributed to it this year – bigger than before the pandemic.
However, reduced immunity in young infants due to lower maternal and infant exposure may have contributed to the record number of cases.

Australia’s only currently available preventative medicine is palivizumab, which is a long-acting monoclonal antibody given monthly during the RSV season.
Due to its cost, it is reserved for infants at highest risk for severe RSV infection and is usually given in hospital.
In May this year, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the RSV vaccine Arexvy for people aged 60 and over.

Encourage children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and regularly wash their hands.
Ensuring kids stay away from school, childcare or other children when sick helps prevent the spread of many viruses, including RSV.
If parents notice these signs or are worried about their child they should seek urgent medical assessment and not delay.