Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has quietly overtaken influenza to
become the dominant respiratory infection of Australia’s 2026 flu
season, new national figures show.
RSV outnumbers flu this winter
By the end of July, more than 97,000 cases of RSV had been notified to
the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), compared
with just over 59,000 cases of influenza. That means RSV is accounting
for a large share of the coughs, fevers and
breathing problems sending Australians to GPs, emergency departments
and urgent care clinics this winter.
While influenza has traditionally been the main focus of winter
respiratory campaigns, these numbers highlight that RSV is now a major
driver of illness in the community – and not just in babies and older
people.
Who is being hit hardest?
Sentinel surveillance data from ASPREN shows RSV is being detected most frequently in:
- Children aged 1–4 years
- Adults aged 20–49 years
This pattern suggests young children and their parents or caregivers are bearing the brunt of this year’s RSV wave.
New RSV protection under the National Immunisation Program
For the first time, Australia has routine RSV protection available under
the National Immunisation Program (NIP), targeting those at highest
risk of severe disease:
- Pregnant women: Abrysvo is recommended at 28–36 weeks’ gestation. It
helps the mother produce antibodies that are passed to the baby before
birth, offering protection in the early months of life when RSV can be
most dangerous.
- Older adults: Arexvy is available for people aged 75 and over, and for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 and over, who face
higher risks of complications such as pneumonia and hospitalisation.
Additionally, for adults aged 60 and over,
Arexvy is available for purchase privately.
These vaccines do not stop every RSV infection, but they significantly
reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death in targeted
high‑risk groups. Health authorities are urging eligible people to talk
to their GP or immunisation provider about
RSV vaccination alongside other recommended vaccines.
Who is at higher risk from RSV?
According to national guidance and Healthdirect information, RSV infection is most concerning for:
- Babies, especially under 6 months
- Children with underlying heart or lung conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
- Older adults, particularly those with chronic illnesses
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who may have a higher burden of respiratory disease
In these groups, RSV can lead to serious complications including
pneumonia, worsening of existing heart or lung disease, and sometimes
the need for intensive care.
What to watch for and when to seek help
RSV often starts like a typical cold, with symptoms such as:
- Runny nose, blocked nose and cough
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Irritability or tiredness in young children
Parents and carers should seek urgent medical help (call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department) if a child:
- Has trouble breathing, breathes very fast or has pauses in breathing
- Has blue or grey lips or skin
- Is very sleepy, difficult to wake, or not responding normally
- Is not feeding or drinking, or has fewer wet nappies than usual
Adults should seek prompt medical care if they experience severe
shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or if their symptoms
suddenly worsen after initially improving.
How to manage RSV at home
Most RSV infections can be managed safely at home, following Healthdirect advice:
- Rest and keep up fluids (water, breast milk or formula for babies).
- Use paracetamol as directed to reduce fever and discomfort; seek
advice before using any medicines in babies and young children.
- Keep children home from childcare or school while they are unwell to reduce spread.
- Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, which makes breathing problems worse.
There is no specific antiviral medicine routinely used for RSV in
otherwise healthy people, so treatment focuses on supportive care and
monitoring for signs of worsening illness.
Protecting families this season
Public health experts say this RSV‑heavy winter reinforces the need to
think broadly about respiratory infections, not just the flu. Key steps
to protect families include:
- Staying up to date with all recommended vaccines (flu, COVID‑19 and RSV for those eligible).
- Practising good hygiene: regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Keeping sick children and adults at home to reduce transmission.
- Checking in with a GP or health service early for high‑risk family members, rather than waiting until symptoms are severe.
With RSV now overshadowing influenza in national case counts,
authorities are watching how the season evolves and urging Australians
to stay informed, make use of new prevention tools, and seek timely care
if they or their children become unwell.