RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is respiratory illness that affects the lungs and airways. RSV can be severe in infants, young children and older adults.

RSV spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces that are contaminated by the virus.

RSV protection

To protect yourself from RSV you can:

Frequently wash your hands with soap and running water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
Frequently clean and disinfect common surfaces and items
Get an RSV vaccine if you are eligible

RSV protection for older adults

The RSV vaccine provides multi-year protection. If you have received it previously, you do not need another dose.

The following groups are eligible for a free RSV vaccine at any time of year, if they have not previously had the vaccine:

adults aged 75 and older

adults aged 60–74 who meet specific high-risk criteria

RSV protection for infants and high-risk children

Free RSV protection is available for infants up to 8 months old and high-risk children. Eligible infants and high-risk children can be given an antibody injection before or during the RSV season. This is the preferred option for protecting infants.

RSV vaccines for pregnant people

To help protect newborns, pregnant people who are due to deliver near the start of or during RSV season can receive an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks.

Where to get an RSV vaccine or antibody injection

If you are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine, contact your health care provider to check availability.

Eligible people who do not have a health care provider or OHIP-card can get their RSV vaccine or antibody injection through Public Health.

Book an RSV vaccine appointment - Cambridge Book an RSV vaccine appointment - Kitchener

Symptoms and complications

RSV symptoms usually happen within two to eight days after getting infected, and usually include:

Runny nose
Decrease in appetite and energy
Coughing
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing

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

Some people can develop a severe form of RSV which may result in pneumonia or, in infants and children, bronchiolitis.These illnesses can be serious and may require a visit to a health care provide or to the emergency department.

Information for parents on how to manage their child’s symptoms and when to seek medical attention can be found on the Ministry of Health’s protection from respiratory illnesses webpage.