Experts urge vigilance with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ahead of the winter months with GSK Australia saying it’s as serious in older adults as it is in babies.

According to GSK while the significant risk of RSV for young babies is recognised, they are urging RSV vigilance in the older population, particularly any grandparents who are caring for young grandchildren ahead of the winter season.

“We know older adults are familiar with influenza – but less aware of RSV and the serious health challenges this infectious respiratory virus can cause. We really want older Australians, particularly those caring for grandchildren, to become much more informed and aware of RSV," Sydney Respiratory Physician and chair of the Lung Foundation Professor Lucy Morgan said.

"They need to know about their risk and not assume it’s just a problem in babies."

RSV is considered medically to be a common virus that generally peaks in autumn and winter across the country and that most children will have had RSV at least once by the age of two.

Infected individuals can stay contagious for up to 10 days placing those caring for the infected, particularly young children at risk of RSV and the further health conditions that can result.

“The impact of RSV can be very serious for older Australians who may struggle to regain their health and conditioning after the virus has cleared," Associate Professor and Senior Geriatrician Michael Woodward said.

"Unfortunately, some may have significant delays in regaining their former health and independence after RSV.”

Clinical Professor John Blakey, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Medical Advisor to Asthma Australia said the virus can be particularly bad for those who have a pre-existing condition.

“Older adults with existing heart or lung disease are at higher risk of being admitted with RSV," he said.

"They are five to 10 times more likely to end up in hospital.

"People with conditions like asthma and COPD therefore need to be particularly aware of RSV and how to minimise their risk.”

RSV is a common, contagious respiratory virus that can lead to significant health issues in older adults including pneumonia and hospitalisations.

Compared with children under five years, older adults hospitalised with RSV may spend twice as long in hospital.

Fatalities from RSV are nearly four times higher in older adults compared with young children under five years of age.

Following hospitalisation from RSV, older adults may have long-term health complications and loss of independence.

According to GSK, RSV generally starts with mild symptoms, similar to other respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19, including cough, headache, tiredness, runny nose and congestion.

RSV can survive on hard surfaces for up to six hours and is easily spread, including between family members of all ages.

Australia commenced recording RSV cases under the Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System in 2021 with the tracking beginning to build a picture of the real numbers and impact of the virus.

For older Australians, last year’s reported RSV cases were 32,156 compared with 56,561 influenza cases.

Older Australians are being urged to become more informed and alert to RSV ahead of winter, especially when caring for young grandchildren, and talk to their doctor or pharmacist about RSV and prevention options.

Find out more at www.gsk.com.au.