Signs and symptoms of severe RSV 

Because RSV can cause severe illness that requires medical care, including bronchiolitis, pneumonia and the exacerbation of underling chronic medical conditions, it’s important to be alert to the symptoms of severe RSV. 

 
 
 

Signs and symptoms of severe RSV in infants  

Signs that a baby may have severe RSV and need urgent medical care include:   

  • Rapid breathing (more than 40 breaths per minute)  

  • Laboured breathing – tugging under and between the ribs and/or lower neck   

  • Up and down head movements and/or grunting while breathing  

  • Flared nostrils  

  • Wheezing   

  • Blue tint or changes to skin colour around the mouth and eyes   

 
 

Signs and symptoms of severe RSV in adults 

In adults, signs of severe RSV-related illness, such as pneumonia, include: 

  • A cough that is getting worse  

  • Shortness of breath and/or a greater effort to breathe  

  • Prolonged wheezing 

  • High fever 

  • Blue tint to skin  

 

RSV is too serious and unpredictable to delay medical care. Those at risk of severe illness, including babies and older adults, can deteriorate very quickly.  

If you suspect severe RSV or an associated lung infection, see a healthcare professional urgently.