Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes mild disease with cold-like symptoms, but can be severe in some cases.

In Canada, RSV is currently the most common respiratory viral pathogen among infants and young children, with one in five children needing urgent medical attention.1 RSV can cause serious respiratory disease such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which may require hospitalization.^2,3

Who gets RSV and how?

RSV spreads very easily, such as by coughing, sneezing, or talking, and is very difficult to completely avoid. Most cases of RSV in Canada occur from the fall to the early spring.⁴

RSV infection can occur in people of all ages but those most at-risk of serious or severe complications include infants, with the highest risk period being less than six months of age, and older adults (60+), especially among those with underlying respiratory or cardiac conditions. Those living in congregate settings or long term care have a higher risk of becoming infected.⁶

Prevention

There are several ways of protection against RSV including vaccination. RSV vaccine can help reduce the risk of getting lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults 60 years of age and older.

Active immunization for pregnant individuals helps protect children from birth through six months of age against RSV. This works by an active transfer of maternal antibodies that occur naturally during pregnancy from the mother’s circulation to the developing fetus.¹¹

It’s important to be informed of available immunizations and immunizing agents for preventable illnesses.^7,8

Other steps you can take to help protect yourself and others from RSV infection include:

• Staying at home when you're sick to avoid spreading the illness to others

• ​​Washing your hands regularly

• Wiping down frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs

• Avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms

• Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm (not your hand)⁵

Speak to your pharmacists or healthcare practitioner to find out how to help protect yourself and your family.⁹

References
 

1. Thampi, Nisha, et al. “Health care costs of hospitalization of young children for respiratory syncytial virus infections: A population-based matched Cohort Study.” CMAJ Open, vol. 9, no. 4, Oct. 2021, https://doi.org/10.9778/cmajo.20200219. Last accessed January 2024.

2. The Lung Association. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Available at https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv. Last accessed January 2024.

3. Juhn, Young J., et al. “Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in older adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 6, no. 1, 20 Jan. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.50634.  Last accessed January 2024.

4. Government of Canada. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Symptoms and treatment. Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv.html.  Last accessed January 2024.

5. Government of Canada. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Prevention and risks. Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/prevention-risks.html.  Last accessed January 2024.

6. Health Link BC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection. Available at https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-infection. Last accessed January 2024.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overview, History, and How the Safety Process Works. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/history/index.html. Last accessed January 2024.

8. Government of Canada. Reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/prevent-spread-respiratory-viruses.html#a2. Last accessed January 2024.

9. Nemours Kids Health. Talking to a Pharmacist. Available at https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pharmacist.html. Last accessed January 2024.

10. Cinicola, Bianca, et al. “The protective role of maternal immunization in early life.” Frontiers in Pediatrics, vol. 9, 28 Apr. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.638871. Last accessed January 2024.

11. Government of Canada. ABRYSVO Product Monograph. Available at https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00073900.PDF. Last accessed January 2024.

12. Government of Canada. BOOSTRIX Product Monograph. Available at https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00073316.PDF. Last accessed January 2024.