Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
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What is RSV? RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms but can be dangerous for certain people, including older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions.
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What are symptoms of RSV?
RSV can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, headache, and tiredness. While most RSV symptoms are mild, in more severe RSV infections, shortness of breath, sneezing, wheezing, rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or bluish coloring of the skin (cyanosis) can occur.
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If I get RSV, how long am I contagious?
People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some adults with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.
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I thought RSV only affected babies. Can adults get RSV?
People of all ages can get RSV. There is an increased risk for severe disease in older adults and adults living with certain underlying chronic conditions.
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How serious is RSV for adults?
RSV is a common, highly contagious respiratory virus that is usually mild but can severely impact older adults and adults living with certain underlying chronic conditions.
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If I’m healthy, do I need to be worried about RSV?
Being an older adult can put you at increased risk for severe complications due to RSV, even if you consider yourself healthy.
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How can I be tested for RSV?
There are various types of tests for RSV. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse about which test is right for you.
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Is there a specific time of year that RSV is more common?
Prior to 2021, the RSV season in Ireland usually began in October and subsided in February. However in recent years the RSV season has started as early as August. The 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons started earlier, lasted longer and were more severe in terms of case numbers and hospitalisations compared to previous seasons.
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Can I only get RSV once?
No. People can get RSV multiple times throughout their lives. RSV can be serious for older adults.
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How can I prevent RSV?
Some ways you can help prevent RSV infection are to:
- Wash your hands
- Keep your hands off your face
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect surfaces around you
- Stay home when you’re feeling sick
RSV and Underlying Conditions
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Why should I be concerned about RSV?
The body’s immune system typically weakens with older age and has a harder time fighting off infections, such as RSV infection. If you are an older adult or an adult living with certain underlying conditions, you may be at a higher risk for severe infections from RSV. At your next appointment, talk to your doctor about your risk.
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What underlying conditions can put you at increased risk for complications due to RSV?
If you have Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or congestive heart failure (CHF), you may be at increased risk of severe RSV infection. If you have coronary artery disease (CAD) or diabetes, there is evidence to suggest you may be at increased risk of hospitalisation due to RSV.*
*Evidence gathered from 2 geographical areas in the United States (Rochester and New York City). -
If I have diabetes, am I at increased risk of hospitalisation due to RSV?
Evidence suggests adults with diabetes may be at increased risk of hospitalization due to RSV.*
*Evidence gathered from 2 geographical areas in the United States (Rochester and New York City). -
If I have Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), am I at increased risk of complications due to RSV?
Adults with CHF may have an increased risk of severe RSV infection. Additionally, evidence suggests that adults with CHF may be at an increased risk of complications due to RSV, such as hospitalization.
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If I have Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, am I at increased risk of complications due to RSV?
Adults with COPD or asthma may have an increased risk of severe RSV infection, which may lead to complications such as exacerbations of COPD or asthma.
Questions to ask your doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse about RSV
Here are some helpful questions you may want to consider asking your doctor, pharmacist or practice nurse. Review the questions below that most relate to you for your next appointment.
As an older adult or an adult living with an underlying condition, should I be concerned about RSV?
What is my risk of complications due to RSV?
How could RSV impact my underlying condition?
Is there a test for RSV?
What can I do to feel better if I get RSV?
How long should I isolate if I’m infected with RSV?
What can I do to help prevent RSV?
Visiting your doctor to discuss RSV?
To get the most out of your appointment, remember to:
Write down your questions.
Take notes or have someone with you to help listen.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your health is a top priority.
Disease awareness information provided by GSK Ireland. This information does not constitute personal medical advice, please speak to your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist to discuss how to manage the risk of RSV.
If you experience any side effects while taking a medicinal product, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. Adverse events should be reported directly to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on their website: Reporting Suspected Side Effects (hpra.ie).
