This adventure could be cut short by RSV

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections.1-4

Even the best-laid plans could be cut short by RSV. While you may not have heard of it yet, RSV is not a new virus and may be more of a health concern than you think—even if you're healthy.2-4

People of all ages can get RSV. If you’re aged 60 or over and have an underlying health condition, you are especially at risk for severe RSV infection.2,5

Discover Debbie’s RSV story. Watch Now

In industrialised countries,* RSV causes about 5.2 million cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) each year in patients 60 years of age and older.6

*High-income countries include the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and South Korea. No incidence data were available for South Korea.

What are the symptoms of RSV infection?3,7-11

Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe, and sometimes they can last up to 2 weeks. RSV can cause severe symptoms in older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions.

RSV symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing
  • Rapid/difficulty breathing
  • Cyanosis (bluish colouring of the skin due to lack of oxygen)

How does RSV spread?4,12

Similar to some other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. And while you're typically contagious for 3-8 days, some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks—even after they stop showing symptoms.

RSV and the seasons13-19

Is there a time of the year in which RSV infections occur more frequently, as is the case with other common respiratory infections? According to the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), RSV cases in New Zealand have historically risen during autumn (from April to May) and peaked in the winter (from June to August).

DO YOU KNOW RSV?

Can RSV lead to pneumonia?

get the answer down-arrow

Yes. Although RSV infection is usually mild, it can sometimes lead to pneumonia or other complications.

Did you know?

People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. RSV can be serious for older adults.10,12,20,21

Discover Debbie’s RSV story

Learn what happened when Debbie was diagnosed with RSV.

“When the ER doctor told me I had RSV, the first thing out of my mouth was, ‘But I’m an adult!’ I had no idea that an adult could get RSV.” -Debbie, RSV survivor

Learning who is at risk of severe infections from RSV can help protect you and your loved ones.
For further information about RSV, please consult your doctor.22

Any information provided on this website should be discussed with a healthcare professional and does not replace a healthcare professional's advice.

References: 1. Mesa-Frias, M;J Manag Care Spec Phar;2022;1-13 2. Walsh EE;Clinics in chest medicine; 2017;38;29-36 3. Stephens LM;Vaccines;2021;9;624 4. Kodama F;Infect Dis Clin North Am;2017;31;767-790 5. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions 6. Savic M;Influenza Other Respi Viruses;2022;1–10 7. Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310 8. Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16; 462-473 9. Falsey AR;Clinical Microbiology Reviews;2000;13;371–84 10. Mayo Clinic; 2021;1-5;RSV symptoms and causes 11. CDC; 2021; 1-2; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Symptoms and Care 12. Schweitzer JW; NCBI Bookshelf; 2022;1-6 13. ESR; 2021;1-3;ESR data highlights surge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 14. ESR; 2018; RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2019 15. ESR; 2019; RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2020 16. ESR;2022;2022 ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SURVEILLANCE REPORT 17. ESR;2023;1-37;RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2024 18. RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2022; 2021; 1-26 19. RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2023;2022;1-33 20. Blunck B; Vaccine; 2021;39;1248-1256 21. Openshaw PJM;Annu. Rev. Immunol;2017;35;501–532 22. CDC;June;2018;1-2;Older Adults Are at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection