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Learn about RSV in babies

Speak to your healthcare professional

Talk to your doctor, nurse, midwife or pharmacist to learn more about RSV and how you can help prevent it.

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What is RSV?

RSV is a common infection that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
Most people recover within a week or two by resting at home. However, RSV can cause serious illness in infants, especially babies under six months old.
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Risk to babies

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants1,2
It is a leading cause of hospitalisation of infants aged under 12 months in Australia1,3
75% of infant hospitalisations are in the first six months of life4,5
Up to 80% of children hospitalised with RSV are otherwise healthy, with no underlying medical issues6
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Why are babies at risk?

Babies are born with immune systems that aren't yet fully developed. This means it is harder for them to fight off an RSV infection.

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Symptoms

RSV often starts with symptoms that are similar to a cold, making it difficult to recognise. Symptoms can include a runny nose, cough and fever.

Some other symptoms to look out for in babies include:

Decreased appetite

Irritability

Decreased activity

Difficulty breathing

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms - always seek advice from a healthcare professional.

If your baby has RSV, continue to provide fluids at regular intervals (e.g. breast milk or formula, according to age and preference). Once symptoms have passed and your baby feels well again, they can return to normal activities, such as childcare and playing with other children.
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When to get help

Signs and symptoms of severe illness from an RSV infection include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • High fever
  • Pale or blue-tinged skin
  • Wheezing or worsening cough
  • Chest muscles pulling inward with each breath
If the above symptoms of severe respiratory illness occur, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department
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Preventing RSV

Be aware that RSV is highly contagious

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RSV spreads quickly and easily, especially between siblings and other family members
It can travel through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Infection can also occur through contact with surfaces the virus has landed on, such as tables or cot railings
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Help stop the spread

  • Stay at home when sick
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Wash your hands often
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces
  • Avoid close contact with sick people

There may be more that you can do to help prevent RSV.

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RSV risk begins from birth: Speak to your doctor, nurse, midwife or pharmacist to learn more about RSV and what you can do to help prevent it

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References:

  1. Australian Immunisation Handbook. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv. Accessed August 2026.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098. Accessed August 2026.
  3. Saravanos GL, et al. Respiratory syncytial virus-associated hospitalisations in Australia, 2006-2015. Med J Aust. 2019;210:447-453.
  4. Reeves RM, et al. Burden of hospital admissions caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants in England: A data linkage modelling study. J Infect. 2019;78(6):468-475.
  5. Parikh RC, et al. Chronologic Age at Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among Preterm and Term Infants in the United States. Infect Dis Ther. 2017;6(4):477-486.
  6. Evohealth. Time to Act: Protecting our children from RSV. 2023. Avaiable at: https://www.evohealth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Time-to-Act-protecting-our-children-from-RSV-.pdf. Accessed August 2026.