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.
Vaccine, treatment and prevention
Vaccine |
- On August 4, 2023 Health Canada authorized Arexvy for use in adults 60 years of age and older to prevent lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV.
- Through the High-Risk Older Adult Vaccine Program, Arexvy is publicly funded for adults aged 60 years and older who meet the following criteria:
- Live in long-term care homes, including elder care lodges, and residents of retirement homes that are registered to provide dementia care services.
- Hospital ALC (alternate long-term-care) patients.
- Dialysis patients.
- Transplant recipients.
- Homeless individuals.
- Indigenous individuals, including those in urban dwellings.
- Adults 60 years of age and older living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and retirement homes licensed to provide dementia care services 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.
- It is not recommended to receive the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines including flu and COVID-19 vaccines. It is advised that eligible individuals who wish to receive the RSV vaccine get it at least two weeks before or after receiving other vaccines.
|
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.
|
Prevention
|
- Avoid touching droplets containing the virus after someone coughs or sneezes
- Avoid being close (less than two metres apart) to someone with the infection who is coughing or sneezing
- Infants and children who are less than two years of age at high risk of severe illness from RSV may be eligible for the drug Synagis (palivizumab) used to prevent a serious lower respiratory tract infection caused by the virus. If your child is eligible for a publicly funded Synagis (palivizumab), speak to your health care provider about receiving this vaccine.
|
Helpful websites
|
|