Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that infects the lungs and airways. It causes a condition called bronchiolitis, which is inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. RSV spreads through tiny droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes. It can also live on surfaces like doorknobs or toys for several hours, making it easy to catch by touching things and then touching your face.
RSV infections can happen any time of year, but they are more common from late fall to early spring. You can get RSV more than once in your life, and while it usually causes mild symptoms, it can be serious for some people.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can get RSV, but some people are more likely to get very sick. These include:
- Older adults
People with chronic health conditions like asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, liver or kidney disease
People with weakened immune systems due to illness or medications
Babies in their first year of life are also at higher risk. Their immune systems are still developing, and they haven’t built up antibodies to fight RSV. Babies born early (premature), those with lung or heart problems, or those exposed to cigarette smoke are especially at risk. Having older siblings or being born right before RSV season also increases the chance of getting sick.
What Are the Symptoms?
RSV symptoms can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Tiredness
- Wheezing
- Headache
In more serious cases, RSV can lead to pneumonia or make other health problems worse, such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or heart failure. In rare cases, RSV can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or even death.
How to Prevent RSV
There are several ways to help prevent the spread of RSV:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Clean surfaces like phones, toys, and doorknobs regularly
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you’re feeling unwell
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Vaccines and Protection
There are vaccines and antibody treatments available in Canada to help protect people at higher risk:
For infants: Antibody treatments can be given to babies to help protect them during RSV season. There’s also a vaccine that can be given to pregnant women in the third trimester. This helps protect the baby after birth by passing on antibodies through the placenta.
For older adults: There are vaccinations available in Canada for people aged 60 and older. These vaccines may help prevent serious illness and hospital stays.
If you or someone in your family is at higher risk, talk to your pharmacist or health practitioner about whether RSV vaccination is right for you.
