Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV infection can happen at any age but can be more serious in young children and older adults with underlying health conditions such as asthma, chronic heart or lung disease and those with weakened immune systems.

In Canada, individuals are most likely to get infected with RSV in the late fall to early spring.

Symptoms and Treatment

RSV symptoms include:

  • Runny nose
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing

Very young infants may only experience irritability, decreased activity, and breathing problems.

While most RSV symptoms will go away within a week, individuals should seek medical attention if they are not drinking enough fluids or experience worsening symptoms.

Anyone who has trouble breathing should seek immediate medical attention.

If you have questions about your illness and you don’t start to feel better after a few days, or your symptoms get worse, call your health care provider or 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) to talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls to 811 do not require you to provide your OHIP number; all information is free, secure, and confidential.

Treatment

Most people who get RSV recover on their own. RSV is a virus and antibiotics will not help. Antiviral medication is not routinely recommended to fight a RSV infection. However, RSV can cause severe illness in some people and medical attention and supportive treatment may be needed.

How RSV Spreads

RSV spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face before washing your hands.

People with RSV are usually contagious for three to eight days, starting a day or two before symptoms appear. Infants and people with weakened immune systems can remain contagious for up to four weeks.

RSV Immunization Program for Infants

Beyfortus® is a safe, long-acting preventive treatment that helps protect infants and young children from severe RSV outcomes, including hospitalization and ICU admission. It is recommended for:

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends the use of Beyfortus® for infants, as it offers stronger and longer-lasting protection than vaccination during pregnancy.

RSV Vaccine during Pregnancy

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. This helps protect the baby from RSV from birth until six months old. It is given near the start of or during the RSV season.

If the RSV vaccine was administered during pregnancy, the infant generally will not need Beyfortus® at birth, except in certain situations. Please speak to a health care provider to determine what’s best for you and your baby.

RSV Vaccine for Adults 60 Years of Age and Older

Arexvy and Abrysvo are both Health Canada approved vaccines to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in people 60 and older. They are given as a single vaccine dose that provides multi-year protection.

The following individuals are now eligible to receive the RSV vaccine at any time of the year:

  • All adults aged 75 and older
  • Adults 60 to 74 years of age who are also:
    • Residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes including similar settings (e.g., co-located facilities)
    • Patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)
    • Patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
    • Patients 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

Anyone aged 60 years or older not eligible for the publicly funded vaccine can speak to their health care provider about accessing the RSV vaccine through private purchase.

Where to Get Vaccinated

Infants:

  • Hospitals
  • Some doctor or nurse practitioner's offices*
  • Some walk-in medical clinics*

Older Adults:

*Before visiting, check if they are offering vaccines and if an appointment is required.
 

Side Effects & Risks

RSV vaccinations may cause some side effects which, in most cases, are mild and last only a few days. Common side effects of RSV vaccination may include:

  • Pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given
  • Fatigue (feeling tired)
  • Fever or chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain

Swelling of lymph nodes and allergic reactions such as rash, nausea, or stomach pain are uncommon. Serious side effects from the vaccine are rare.

Please inform your health care professional or call York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73452 if you experience a serious side effect following immunization.

Speak to your Health Care Provider

Always tell your health care provider if you have allergies or had side effects from another vaccine in the past. You should wait for the vaccine if you are ill or have a fever. Check with your health care provider to determine if the RSV vaccine is right for you.

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