Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It’s most common in infants, young children, and older adults. RSV spreads through droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze that can enter the eyes, nose, mouth, or lungs. You can also catch RSV by touching contaminated surfaces like door handles and then touching your face.
How to Protect Infants from RSV
Mothers and caregivers can help protect infants and young children from RSV by:
- Washing hands regularly (yours and your child’s)
- Breastfeeding
- Keeping infants away from smoke
- Avoiding contact with people who are sick
- Limiting daycare exposure during the child’s first winter season, if possible
RSV season runs from late fall to early spring. Infants are particularly at risk because they have little to no immunity built up.
Who Is at Risk for RSV?
- Infants and Young Children: RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children. Nearly all children get RSV by age two, and infants born prematurely or with chronic respiratory or heart conditions are at even higher risk of hospitalization. Factors that can increase the chances of RSV include daycare attendance, having school-age siblings, poor hand hygiene, and crowded living conditions.
- Adults: Older adults, especially those 75 and older or those with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, or weakened immune systems, face a higher risk of severe RSV illness. This includes residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, where RSV can lead to hospitalizations or even death.
Why Get Vaccinated Against RSV?
Vaccination can help protect high-risk infants, children, and older adults from severe RSV illness. While there’s no cure for RSV, vaccines and other preventive options are now available to lower the risk of serious RSV complications.
How Does the RSV Vaccine Work?
The RSV vaccine introduces an inactive version of the RSV protein into the body, allowing the immune system to recognize and fight off the real virus. The body develops antibodies that help prevent severe illness if exposed to RSV.
Available RSV Vaccines in Canada
Health Canada has recently approved two vaccines for adults, which use a stabilized RSV protein to trigger immunity. These single-dose vaccines help protect against severe RSV infection and related complications:
- AREXVY (RSVPreF3): Adjuvanted RSV subunit vaccine
- ABRYSVOTM (RSVpreF): RSV subunit vaccine
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
- Adults: These vaccines are recommended for adults 60 and older, with priority for those 75 and older or those with chronic health conditions. Older adults in nursing homes or chronic care facilities are especially encouraged to get vaccinated.
- Infants: For high-risk infants, Health Canada recommends the Nirsevimab monoclonal antibody as the preferred option over Palivizumab. This antibody treatment is prioritized for:
- Premature infants
- Infants with chronic lung or heart conditions
- Infants with complex transportation needs for RSV care
- Infants affected by social and structural health factors
Nirsevimab is recommended for infants with chronic lung disease (like bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and for children with cystic fibrosis involving respiratory or growth issues.
Useful Resources:
Asthma and Vaccines
People with asthma face a higher risk of serious illness from preventable diseases, making vaccination extremely important.
Lung Vaccination Working Group
Within Canada, vaccine uptake continues to be a significant area of concern.
Controlling Asthma
When asthma is unmanaged, it can put a pause on your life. Learn how to break breathlessness and press play on life.
Asthma Canada's FREE Asthma & Allergy HelpLine
If you have questions on managing your asthma and vaccines, please contact our free HelpLine at 1-866-787-4050 or info@asthma.ca. Our team of asthma and allergy experts will happily assist you with your asthma control and help put your mind at ease.