Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Australia - an update

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalisations in Australian preschoolaged children and infants. It is a common infection in children, and while the majoritywill experience symptoms akin to a cold, for some it can cause life-threatening lunginfections. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the peak time for RSV was in the winter months.But with pandemic measures such as physical distancing and staying home when sick,this predictable pattern changed. For example, late spring/summer of 2020 saw a surge incases, a higher number of which were severe.Children with RSV will typically be seen in the first instance by their general practitioner forassessment. Knowing what factors influence the timing of RSV surges and the severity ofinfection will be of benefit to GPs caring for these children.