As the weather cools down here in South Australia, RSV cases start to increase. Winter is peak season for this common but potentially serious virus, especially for little ones. Here’s what you need to know to keep your baby safe this winter.
What is RSV?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a highly contagious respiratory virus. It spreads easily through the air when someone with RSV coughs or sneezes and can survive for several hours on surfaces, like toys – making it easy for babies to catch.
Almost all children will get RSV before their second birthday. It can affect people of all ages but can be serious for babies.
When is RSV season in South Australia?
Each year, RSV hits South Australia hardest during winter, with the highest number of cases showing up in June and July. Around 700 cases are reported to SA Health every week during the peak of the season.
Across the country, about 12,000 babies end up in hospital every winter due to RSV. That’s a lot of little noses and lungs needing care.
How serious is RSV for babies?
For many kids, RSV might just look like a mild cold – a runny nose, cough, or slight fever. But for some, especially babies under six months or those with other health conditions, it can turn into something more serious, like bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia (lung infection).
Professor Nicola Spurrier, SA’s Chief Public Health Officer, explains:
“RSV can be a devastating infection in little babies, sometimes requiring prolonged hospitalisation and days of supportive care including high-flow oxygen and IV fluids.”
“Little ones take a long time to recover and it can be weeks until the cough finally resolves.”
How to protect your baby from RSV
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water (at least 20 seconds).
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue – then bin it and wash your hands.
- Don’t share cups, spoons, dummies or anything else that might carry germs.
- If someone is sick, they should stay away until they’re feeling better.
New in 2025: RSV immunisation options
There’s good news for parents this year – free RSV immunisations are now available in 2025:
Pregnant women can get vaccinated from 28 weeks. This helps protect your baby even before they’re born, lowering the risk of serious RSV illness by up to 70%.
Some babies may also be eligible for their own RSV immunisation after birth, available now through 30 September 2025. This is especially important for babies, and young children less than 2 years of age, with certain medical conditions.
The RSV immunisation is safe to receive alongside other childhood vaccinations.
Not sure if your baby is eligible? Have a chat with your GP or immunisation provider and they can help you book in and answer any questions.
For more info, visit: sahealth.sa.gov.au/rsv
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