Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that affects the lungs and air passages (nose and throat), resulting in cold-like symptoms. The impact of this infection is particularly severe in infants and older adults, often leading to significant lung infections requiring hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect adults ages 60 years and older from severe RSV. Preventive options are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV. Individuals with underlying health conditions such as asthma, chronic heart, or lung disease, and those with weakened immune systems, may be at risk of severe illness with RSV.
Symptoms of RSV
Individuals infected with RSV usually show symptoms within a few days of being infected.
Symptoms usually include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
Young infants with RSV, may only experience symptoms of irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. It is easy to mistake RSV for other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or COVID-19.
Facts about... Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Facts about... Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines
Products, treatment and resources
Older Adult High-Risk Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Program
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- Health Canada has authorized authorized Arexvy® and Abrysvo™ to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in people 60 years of age and older.
- Through the High-Risk Older Adult Vaccine Program, the RSV vaccine is publicly funded for all individuals 75 years and older, as well as individuals 60 to 74 years of age who meet the following high-risk criteria:
- Residents of long-term care homes, elder care lodges or retirement homes.
- Individuals in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC).
- Individuals receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
- Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
- Individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.
- Patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
- Adults 60 years of age and older living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and retirement homes will be offered the vaccine through their home/lodge.
- At this time, our hospital and Indigenous community partners are supporting RSV vaccine administration to: hospital ALC patients, dialysis patients, transplant recipients and Indigenous individuals, including those in urban dwellings.
- Adults aged 60 years and older that don’t qualify for the free RSV vaccine, can still purchase the vaccine with a prescription from their primary care provider.
- RSV vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines.
- Individuals do not need to receive an additional dose if they already received one last season.
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| Infant and High-risk Children Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program |
- Beyfortus®, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunizing agent, is the preferred method for safeguarding infants. It is publicly funded for the following infants and children:
- Born April 1 or after and less than eight months of age up to the end of the RSV season.
- Up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, following a discussion with a healthcare provider, including children with:
- Chronic lung disease or hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease.
- Severe immunodeficiency or Down syndrome/Trisomy 21.
- Cystic fibrosis with recurrent pulmonary exacerbations requiring hospitalization, deteriorating pulmonary function and/or severe growth delay.
- Neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions.
- Severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions.
- Infants born in hospital during the current RSV season are provided Beyfortus® before discharge. Infants born outside the current RSV season should receive Beyfortus® through their health care provider.
- Beyfortus® can be administered on the same day or any time before or after routine childhood vaccines, including seasonal (such as influenza) and live vaccines.
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| Vaccine for pregnant individuals |
- An RSV vaccine, Abrysvo®, is available for pregnant people to help prevent RSV infections in infants
- The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends prioritizing the use of Beyfortus® (nirservimab) for better infant protection against RSV compared to vaccination of the mother during pregnancy due to its effectiveness and long-lasting protection for the infant.
- Pregnant individuals who do not wish or are unable to have their infant receive Beyfortus® at birth may choose to receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine (Abrysvo™) between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine helps to create antibodies in the pregnant individual’s immune system to protect the baby from RSV from birth until six months old. It is given near the start of or during the RSV season.
- If an RSV vaccine was administered during pregnancy, it is not recommended for the infant to receive an RSV product at birth, except in certain circumstances.
- Please speak to a health care provider to determine the best approach for you and your unborn infant.
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| Treatment |
- The majority of RSV infections typically resolve by themselves within one to two weeks.
- Symptoms may be managed at home:
- Over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not given aspirin to children.
- Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Speak to your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines.
- RSV can cause severe illness in some individuals. Call a health care professional if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.
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Resources
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