Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RVS) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis—inflammation of the small airways in the lungs— and a common cause of pneumonia (lung infection)in infants and young children.
RSV causes seasonal outbreaks of respiratory illness. In British Columbia, RSV infections typically occur between late fall and early spring.
You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading RSV by:
- Washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue
- Staying home and avoiding contact with others if you feel sick
- Keeping away from people who have respiratory tract infections whenever possible
It is also known that keeping your children away from secondhand smoke can help prevent RSV infections and reduce their severity.
Breast/chestfeeding your baby for as long as possible also offers protection against RSV.
For additional tips and tools to help protect you and your family from respiratory illnesses, check out the Personal Toolkit for cold and flu season (PDF).
How RSV Spreads
RSV is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. It can be spread through breathing, coughing, and sneezing. The virus also spreads when a person comes into contact with tiny droplets from a cough or sneeze from another person and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.
Immunization
Older Adults
Two RSV vaccines, AREXVY™ and ABRYSVO™, are available for purchase to protect older adults.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends RSV vaccination for
- Adults aged 75 and older
- Adults aged 60 and older who live in long-term care or have certain health conditions (e.g., heart or lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems)
In British Columbia, the RSV vaccines are not publicly funded for eligible adults.
Infants and young children
Two products, Abrysvo™ and BEYFORTUS® (Nirsevimab), are available to protect infants and young children. Both can greatly reduce the risk of severe RSV infection and hospitalization in young infants.
First Nations Health Benefits will cover the Abrysvo™ vaccine for eligible First Nations pregnant individuals (32 – 36 weeks gestation before or during RSV season). No reimbursement or out-of-pocket expenses are required.
BC offers RSV immunization for infants at higher risk of severe illness. This includes:
- Babies born prematurely
- Infants with certain heart or lung conditions
- Some First Nations infants living in remote communities.
Immunization helps protect vulnerable infants for at least six months from the time the vaccination is administered.
To find out if you or your child qualifies, connect with your Community Health Nurse (CHN). If you don't have access to a CHN, you can also speak with a public health unit or a pharmacist anywhere in the province. They can help you understand your options and how to get vaccinated.
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