Australians have been warned as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases are expected to surge in the coming weeks.
More than 83,000 RSV cases have been confirmed this season and that number is set to spike to at least 120,000 at the back end of winter.
This is more than influenza, and Covid-19, which have each recorded around 50,000 cases this year, according to the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA).
RSV symptoms are similar to that of a common cold, but vulnerable (very young, and elderly) Aussies have had to spend time in hospital because of the virus’ potential to cause dangerous respiratory issues.
RSV is highly contagious, and cases may spike as kids head back to school this term.
“Schools have just gone back again this week, and so we may see a shift,” UNSW social scientist Professor Holly Seale told 7NEWS.
Hospitals are not yet under significant pressure, but medical professionals are preparing for a busy period.
It’s not just those in the health industry who are concerned. One of Australia’s most recognisable faces, Gold Logie-winning actress, Georgie Parker, is urging at-risk Aussies to take RSV seriously.
“Like many Australians, I’d heard of RSV, but I didn’t really understand how serious it could be or what it might mean for adults as we get older,” the 61-year-old said.
“I assumed it was something that mainly affected people from an older generation than mine or those who were already quite vulnerable. What I didn’t realise was that as we age, natural changes in our immune system can make it harder for our bodies to respond to infections like RSV.”
Health professionals are reminding those at risk to get vaccinated.
“The fact that more than 700,000 vulnerable older Australians received the RSV vaccine in the first two months of the vaccination program is an outstanding effort by the community and immunisation providers,” IFA founder Catherine Hughes said.
“However, there is still a massive gap in RSV vaccination coverage and an urgent need for older adults to roll up their sleeves.”
In 2025 the RSV vaccine was made free for pregnant mothers, and in response to increasing cases, was made free to everyone over 75 in May 2026.
“With so many Australians yet to be protected against RSV, it’s essential that people speak to a healthcare professional about RSV protection. Now is the time to act – winter is far from over,” AMA president Danielle McMullen said.
The free RSV vaccine rollout has seen success among babies, with infant hospital admissions during the flu season being cut down by 70 per cent since 2024.
“Early evidence shows that the program is a resounding success. Thousands of families are being spared the trauma of their baby being admitted to hospital and requiring oxygen support or intensive care due to RSV,” Ms McMullen added.
With hopes of a similar impact, Australians over the age of 75 are now being introduced to the same program.