RSV Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

  • down-arrow What is RSV?

    RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms but can be dangerous for certain people, including older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions.1-4

  • down-arrow What are symptoms of RSV?

    RSV can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache, and tiredness. While most RSV symptoms are mild, in more severe RSV infections, shortness of breath, sneezing, wheezing, rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or bluish colouring of the skin (cyanosis) can occur.5-8

  • down-arrow If I get RSV, how long am I contagious?

    People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some adults with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.9

  • down-arrow I thought RSV only affected babies. Can adults get RSV?

    People of all ages can get RSV. There is an increased risk for severe disease in older adults and adults living with certain underlying chronic conditions.2,10,11

  • down-arrow How serious is RSV for adults?

    RSV is a common, highly contagious respiratory virus that is usually mild but can severely impact older adults and adults living with certain underlying chronic conditions.1-4,11

  • down-arrow If I’m healthy, do I need to be worried about RSV?

    Being an older adult can put you at increased risk for severe complications due to RSV, even if you consider yourself healthy.1-3,11

  • down-arrow How can I be tested for RSV?

    There are various types of tests for RSV. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.12

  • down-arrow Is there a specific time of year that RSV is more common?

    RSV infections commonly begin to rise during autumn and peak in winter in New Zealand.19-25

  • down-arrow Can I only get RSV once?

    No. People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. RSV can be serious for older adults.9,13,14

  • down-arrow How can I prevent RSV?

    Some ways you can help prevent RSV infection are to: 11

    • Wash your hands
    • Keep your hands off your face
    • Avoid close contact with sick people
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes
    • Clean and disinfect surfaces around you
    • Stay home when you’re feeling sick

RSV and Underlying Conditions

Questions to ask your doctor about RSV

Here are some helpful questions you may want to consider asking your doctor. Review the questions below that most relate to you for your next appointment.

  • As an older adult or an adult living with an underlying condition, should I be concerned about RSV?

  • What is my risk of complications due to RSV?

  • How could RSV impact my underlying condition?

  • Is there a test for RSV?

  • What can I do to feel better if I get RSV?

  • How long should I isolate if I’m infected with RSV?

 

Visiting your doctor to discuss RSV?

To get the most out of your appointment, remember to:

  • Write down your questions.

  • Take notes or have someone with you to help listen.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your health is a top priority.

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.18

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. Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310 6. Mayo Clinic;2021;1-5;RSV symptoms and causes 7. Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16; 462-473 8. Falsey AR;Clinical Microbiology Reviews;2000;13;371–84 9. Schweitzer JW;NCBI Bookshelf;2022;1-6 10. Branche AR;Clin Infect Dis;2022;74;1004-1011 11. CDC;2022;1-2;RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions 12. Centers for Disease control and Prevention;2020;1-2;Healthcare providers should consider RSV 13. Blunck B;Vaccine;2021;39;1248-1256 14. Openshaw PJM;Annu. Rev. Immunol;2017;35;501–532 15. Papi A;N Engl J Med;2023;388;595-608 16. Watson A;Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease;2021;15;1-17 17. National Institutes of Health;2018;1-2;Talking to your doctor 18. CDC;June;2018;1-2;Older Adults Are at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection 19. ESR;2021;1-3;ESR data highlights surge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) 20. ESR;2018; RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2019 21. ESR;2019;RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2020 22. ESR;2022;2022 ACUTE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SURVEILLANCE REPORT 23. ESR;2023;1-37;RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2024 24. RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2022;2021;1-26 25. RECOMMENDATION FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE COMPOSITION FOR NEW ZEALAND FOR 2023;2022;1-33 26. Prasad N;Clinical Infectious Diseases;2021;73;e158-e163