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HomeYour HealthConditionsViral IllnessesRSV RevealedRSV Revealed
Published on Aug 18, 2025
Authored by Pfizer Medical Team

RSV: Understanding this Common Virus and its Impact on Babies and Children

What is RSV?
RSV (short for respiratory syncytial virus; “syncytial” is pronounced syn·cy·tial  [sin-sish-uhl]) is a common virus that can cause chest infection in babies, children and adults.1,2 RSV is highly contagious and activity tends to start around April to May, with the peak occurring during the winter months, although the timing may vary depending on where you live in Australia.2,3 The RSV season is usually a few weeks before the influenza season; however, the timing has been less predictable following the COVID-19 pandemic.RSV outbreaks can be serious, causing a range of lung and airway illnesses that can vary from mild to severe, sometimes leading to hospitalisations.2 RSV causes thousands of hospitalisations among children each year.2
Who is At Risk?
Almost all children will have been infected with RSV before their second birthday.2
However, there is a higher risk for severe RSV infections in:2
  • Babies younger than 6 months (especially babies younger than 2 months)
  • Premature babies
  • Young children with chronic medical conditions
Most babies who have to stay in hospital due to RSV infection are otherwise healthy babies who were born at term.2,4 It can be difficult to predict which babies and children will develop severe RSV. However, the highest rates of hospitalisation for RSV occur in babies less than 6 months old (especially younger than 2 months).2 It's important to be aware of the symptoms, as RSV can progress—and its course can be unpredictable.2
RSV SymptomsEarly symptoms of RSV may be mild in babies and young children, but they can worsen within a few days.5

Your child may have the following symptoms:5
  • Runny nose
  • Decreased activity or sleepier than usual
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Cough
If your baby is less than 6 months old, the following symptoms may be seen:5
  • Irritability
  • Poor feeding
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
Severity and Complications of RSVMost babies and children infected with RSV recover within 10 days.5 Babies under 6 months face an increased risk of severe disease. Children under 2 years with medical conditions such as chronic lung and heart disease, as well as First Nations infants and young children, are also susceptible to severe infections and hospitalisation.2 RSV is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies and young children.5 Some babies and children experience complications due to their RSV infection, and in some cases, may require hospitalisation.2How does RSV spread?RSV spreads through droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. It can be transmitted in 2 ways:2
  • Droplets inhaled 
  • Droplets land on surfaces and can be transferred by  touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
If your child has RSV, they can be contagious for about 3 to 8 days after their symptoms start.6
RSV Prevention and Treatment RSV is highly contagious, so it is important to take these preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection:7
  • Frequent handwashing
  • Avoiding close contact with sick people (e.g. keep infants at home from childcare)
  • Keeping infants away from crowded places during the peak RSV season
There is no specific treatment for RSV, but supportive care, such as ensuring proper hydration through smaller and more regular feeds, and providing relief for fever and congestion, can help manage the symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required to monitor and provide additional medical support.7
RSV – Fast facts:
  • RSV is a common and highly contagious virus that can cause chest infection in babies and children
  • Outbreaks usually peak during the winter months (exact timing may vary)
  • RSV can range from mild to severe - the disease can be unpredictable in babies and children
  • Babies under 6 months old are at a higher risk of severe symptoms and complications
  • What can you do to protect your little one?
    • Be aware of the early signs of RSV
    • Take preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus
If you suspect your child may have RSV, seek medical attention for proper evaluation and care.
References 
  1. 2025 WA Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infant and Maternal Immunisation Program – What parents and carers need to know. Nirsevimab – What parents need to know. Accessed 29 July 2025.
  2. NCIRS Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Frequently asked questions (FAQ). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) FAQs | NCIRS. Accessed 29 July 2025.
  3. Eden J-S, Sikazwe C, Xie R, et al. Off-season RSV epidemics in Australia after easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Nature Communications. 2022;13(2884):1-9.
  4. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Intensified circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and associated hospital burden in the EU/EEA https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/RRA-20221128-473.pdf Accessed 29 July 2025.
  5. The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Factsheet. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) factsheet. Accessed 29 July 2025.
  6. CDC Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV) – How RSV Spreads.  https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/index.html. Accessed 29 July 2025.
  7. NSW Health - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fact sheet. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fact sheet. Accessed 29 July 2025.

External Resources

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