RESPIRATORY Syncytial Virus, better known as RSV is currently the leading cause of infant hospitalisation in Australia.
RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory infections that affect the airways and lungs.
It can affect all people but is especially common in infants and young children and most young children will have been infected with RSV at some stage by the age of two.
As we start heading into Autumn/Winter months the virus will become more prominent.
RSV is spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing) and touching surfaces and objects that have been contaminated with droplets.
Most people will only get mild to moderate symptoms, more like a common cold that will generally self-resolve in one-two weeks.
These symptoms can include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, fever, generalised aches, headache, earache and loss of appetite.
Sometimes RSV can develop into more serious respiratory infections like bronchiolitis, pneumonia and croup.
As always, you should seek medical care if symptoms do not resolve, symptoms worsen or there are signs and symptoms of more serious respiratory infections.
There are things you can do to stop the spread of RSV.
The virus can survive on objects or surfaces for up to several hours so good cleaning, hand washing and good respiratory hygiene practices are important in reducing the spread.
If you have any RSV symptoms, other good practices are include staying home if unwell, covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, regularly washing hands with warm soapy water.
Avoiding contact with high-risk groups such as infants, young children, older people and people with existing heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system is also recommended.
As part of the comprehensive Maternal & Infant Protection Program against RSV eligible women from 28-36 weeks of pregnancy can now access a free vaccine for RSV through the National Immunisation Program.
Our Midwifes at the SHDH Midwifery Unit are able to offer this vaccination to expectant mothers who meet the criteria.
Feel free to talk to them about it at your next appointment or give them a call if you have any questions on 03 5033 9269.
