What You Need to Know about RSV

By Berthe Streef and Tara MacDaniel

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, however, it can cause severe breathing problems, and even pneumonia. Anyone can become infected with RSV, but it can be most serious for babies. Almost all children catch this virus at least once before they are two years old. Infants, young children, people with a weak immune system, and older adults are more likely to have severe infections.

How is it spread?

RSV is contagious and passes easily from person to person by respiratory droplets. It is also spread through contact with surfaces contaminated with RSV such as toys, eating utensils or unwashed hands.

For most children, RSV feels like a cold. They may experience fever, loss of appetite, runny nose, cough, wheezing, sore throat, headache and generally feel sick. However, RSV can sometimes cause severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing, and can lead to complications, including pneumonia, requiring a child to be hospitalized.

How to lower the risk of becoming sick with RSV:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
Cover your cough or sneeze and always wash your hands afterwards. Very young children can learn these skills with your support.
Clean surfaces often, especially surfaces touched frequently, such as doorknobs, toys, light switches, phones, etc.
Stay home if you are ill and keep your child home too if they are sick. They will recover more quickly, and it is important to help reduce the spread of illness to others.

Speak to your health care provider about the RSV Vaccine:

To protect against RSV, Ontario has introduced the 2024-2025 RSV Prevention Program which covers all infants, and high-risk children up to 24 months of age. This program also includes guidance for pregnant individuals between 32-36 weeks gestation, and older high-risk adults.

For more information on who is eligible to receive an RSV Vaccine:

Eligibility Criteria – https://www.healthunit.com/respiratory-syncytial-virus#RSV-vaccine

Individuals who are 60 years and older who do not qualify for this publicly funded prevention program can purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy with a prescription from their health care provider.

Where to receive vaccines for RSV, Influenza and COVID-19?