For additional information on RSV please visit Respiratory Syncytial Virus | ontario.ca
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RSV, is a virus that causes colds and is a common cause of bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia in young infants and toddlers. RSV typically causes mild symptoms that only last a few days and do not require medical attention. However, some people with an RSV infection, especially infants younger than six months old and older adults, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.
Most children will have at least one RSV infection by the age of two. Children are more likely catch RSV between November and April when the virus is most active.
Symptoms of RSV include flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, fever, wheezing, decrease in appetite and energy, and irritability in children. After exposure, it can take 2 to 8 days before symptoms begin.
RSV is highly contagious. Like other respiratory illnesses, it is spread person to person though droplets from cough or sneezes.
Health Canada recently approved a new vaccine for RSV for people 60 years of age and older. If you’re interested in receiving the RSV vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider.
RSV prophylaxis is available for certain high-risk infants and children less than 2 years old. More information on the prophylaxis program is available here Respiratory Syncytial Virus | ontario.ca
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