A dangerous and highly contagious disease with no vaccine is spreading across Australia in record numbers this winter.
Experts have warned that cases of RSV, which stands for respiratory syncytial virus, are being recorded 10 times more than last year.
The infection, which can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, can be fatal to babies and many require hospitalization.
In South Australia, 3,926 cases of RSV were reported in the first half of the year, compared to 539 in the same period last year.
It’s a similar story for other states and territories, with the exception of Queensland, which reported 16,332 confirmed cases of RSV from the start of the year to June 26.
Here, Daily Mail Australia reveals everything you need to know about RSV.
Experts have warned that cases of RSV, which stands for respiratory syncytial virus, are being recorded 10 times more than at the same time last year
What is RSV?
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus that targets the lungs and airways.
It is one of the leading causes of lung infection in adults and children and can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
RSV is one of the most common causes of the common cold with runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and headache.
Most people recover within one to two weeks, but others may be hospitalized.
What Are the Symptoms of RSV in Adults?
The respiratory virus causes cold symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing, decreased appetite and fatigue.
Symptoms usually appear about five days after exposure and may get worse during the first three to four days of illness.
What Are the RSV Symptoms for Babies?
Babies less than one year old are more likely to develop respiratory problems such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis with RSV.
Babies may seem restless and have trouble feeding.
Parents are encouraged to take their child to a doctor if the cough gets worse, is taking in less than half of their normal diet, is refusing to eat and drink, or seems very tired and sleepier than usual.
Parents should take their child to the nearest emergency department if their baby is having trouble breathing or is pulling in with every breath.
How is RSV treated?
Most people can fight RSV and many feel better after 1-2 weeks.
Mild symptoms can be treated with regular paracetamol or ibuprofen. Patients are encouraged to stay hydrated with regular sips of water.
RSV cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Babies and adults will in some cases require hospital treatment for worsening symptoms with an IV and supplemental oxygen.
What is the RSV Cough?
The RSV cough can be identified by wheezing or labored breathing.
It may also sound wet due to the buildup of mucus which can be sticky and thick.
Patients can manage their cough by creating moist air to breathe, drinking fluids, staying away from cigarette smoke, and trying saline nasal drops.
How is RSV spread?
RSV is a highly contagious virus.
It is spread by droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes.
Touching objects and surfaces contaminated with droplets and then touching your hands or eyes can also spread the virus.
The virus can survive on surfaces for 3-7 hours, so hand washing is important.
A person is usually contagious for the first 3-8 days after symptoms begin, but for people with a weakened immune system, it may last longer.
Parents are encouraged to take their child to a doctor if cough worsens, refuses to eat and drink or seems very tired and sleepier than usual (stock image)
Is there an RSV test?
RSV can be identified through a PCR test (nasal or throat swab).
People can be tested at their local pathology provider, who will most likely test for Covid, RSV and flu at the same time.
Is there an RSV vaccine?
There are currently no vaccines for RSV, but several are in development.
You can take several preventive measures against RSV.
This includes staying at home if you are not feeling well, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze and wearing a face mask in busy places or on airplanes.
Regular hand washing, not sharing cups or cutlery, and regular cleaning of surfaces that could become contaminated also prevent the virus from spreading.
You can learn more about RSV here.
What else should you know about RSV?
RSV usually strikes in the winter, but the Covid lockdowns led to an unexpected huge increase in cases in the summer last year.
Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, eating less and fever.
Complications include wheezing and difficulty breathing, which can progress to pneumonia.
Like Covid, it can be transmitted through sneezing and coughing, but unlike Covid, young children are particularly affected.
Nearly all children have had an RSV infection by age two, but babies in their first year of life are more likely to have serious infections.
Many babies need to be hospitalized because their airways are smaller.