Ah, Canadian winters: Freezing temps, endless layers, and, naturally, a few sniffles. This time of year, respiratory illnesses are everywhere — and one you might not know much about is respiratory syncytial virus, a.k.a. RSV.

RSV is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages and can be a major cause of respiratory illness in older adults. Those most at risk include adults over 60 (like your parents), as well as adults with chronic heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, and/or a weakened immune system.

RSV isn't a new virus by any means, but despite it being common across Canada from fall to early spring, many people aren't familiar with it. In fact, a recent survey of Canadians aged 50 and over found that 46 per cent of respondents said they've never heard of RSV; and of those who had, the majority had little to no knowledge about it.

With that in mind, blogTO spoke with Dr. Christine Palmay, a Toronto family doctor, and compiled a quick list of all the need-to-knows so you and the older adults in your life can stay healthy this season.

How RSV is contracted

RSV infection could happen at any time in the year but it's most common during the winter months.

"It is transmitted through droplets that we spread through coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing," Dr. Palmay explains. "It can spread from one person to another by being in close contact with an infected individual — their respiratory particles enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth."

It can also be spread when a person touches a surface that has the virus on it and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands, she notes.

Symptoms to look out for

RSV symptoms range from mild, lasting for a couple weeks, to severe, where they can last for a long time. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, headache, tiredness, and sometimes wheezing.

As Dr. Palmay points out, RSV can be difficult to differentiate from other typical seasonal viruses that get transmitted around winter. If you have difficulty breathing or experience worsening symptoms, make sure to call your healthcare professional. 

"When a patient comes in with a cough or flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, etc., it’s almost impossible for me to differentiate RSV," she says. "There's some guidance that perhaps patients have a bit more wheezing, but symptoms are very variable; they can be mild, moderate, severe. And, unfortunately, like other viruses, RSV will tragically affect those most at risk."

How to prevent RSV

Using personal protective measures can help reduce your risk of getting or spreading RSV.

Dr Palmay notes that a few simple habits can make all the difference — like staying at home when you're sick, avoiding close contact with others, wearing a mask, and, of course, regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or using on-the-go hand sanitizer).

Getting vaccinated against RSV is another great way to help prevent infection. In Canada, RSV vaccinations are recommended for people over 75, or for those over 60 who have certain risk factors. These individuals are at a much higher risk of hospitalization due to RSV and seeing other complications from the virus including cardiac events and death.

Of course, everyone is different, so Dr. Palmay encourages people to reach out to their family care provider to see what's best for them.

"We know that time is precious," she says. "If nothing else, lockdowns during the pandemic showed us the precious nature of time and the ability to share that with family and friends. And the best way to optimize your chances to do so is to immunize yourself if you’re at risk."

Want to learn more about RSV and how to protect yourself and your loved ones? Visit RSVandME.ca for more information.