Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and airways. It causes colds and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a common chest infection that affects infants and toddlers. Most children will have at least one RSV infection by age two. The infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can cause serious lung infections that may require hospitalization.

More information about RSV

Ministry of Health: English and Français
Ministry of Health Fact Sheet: English and Français
Public Health Agency of Canada: English and Français
Protecting Your Child from RSV Fact Sheet for Parents and Expectant Parents
Public Health Ontario's Fact Sheet: How to Protect Yourself and Others from Respiratory Viruses

Reporting

Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.

Report as soon as an outbreak is suspected. See Quick Reference for Detecting Outbreaks.

Should one go to child care, school or work if they have RSV?

Ill individuals should remain home until they do not have a fever, do not develop any new symptoms and symptoms have been improving for a least 24 hours (48 hours for nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).

Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health outbreak manager, and/or occupational health at your workplace.

Vaccination Information

RSV is preventable by vaccination, for certain individuals at this time. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information.

For further information, please see the Ministry of Health's RSV Prevention Programs webpage.

Healthcare Provider Information

Public Health Agency of Canada: RSV Vaccines - Canadian Immunization Guide

Protecting Infants and High-Risk Children During RSV Season Fact Sheet for HCPs

Centre for Effective Practice: 2024-2025 RSV Prevention Program for Infants in Ontario

Ministry of Health Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Programs

Ministry of Health: Older Adult High-Risk RSV Vaccine Program Fact Sheet - HCPs

Ministry of Health: Infant and High-Risk Children RSV Prevention Program Guidance for HCPs - Beyfortus® (Nirsevimab)

Ministry of Health: Infant and High-risk Children Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program Guidance for Health Care Providers - Abrysvo™

Fact Sheets and Other Resources to Share with Patients

Immunize Canada and Dr. Paul Roumeliotis: RSV in Young Children - a Guide for Parents and Caregivers Video

Ministry of Health: Infant and High-risk Children Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program - Immunity, Monoclonal Antibodies and Vaccination

Ministry of Health: Infant and High-risk Children Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program - Monoclonal Antibody and High-risk Children

Ministry of Health: Infant and High-risk Children Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program - Vaccine for Pregnant Individuals

Ministry of Health: Older Adult High-Risk Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Program Fact Sheet - Vaccine Recipients

Contact our Communicable Disease Control program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.

Last updated: October 2024, by CDC