Summary

• RSV is a common infection that affects the respiratory tract (lungs, nose and throat).
• In most cases the symptoms are mild but are more severe in young children, older people and if you have a weakened immune system.
• There are two types of tests commonly used to test for RSV. One of these is the RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or NAAT, the other being the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).  
• This is highly accurate and can detect small amounts of the virus.

What is RSV?

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It is an infection of your respiratory tract which includes your lungs, nose and throat. 

RSV is very common and spreads easily, especially in the autumn and winter months. It mostly affects children, but anyone can get it. In most people, the symptoms are similar to the common cold but more serious symptoms such as severe coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and high fevers can occur.

It is possible to be re-infected with different strains of RSV from year to year, although subsequent infections tend to be less severe than the first.

Why get tested?

Some people are at higher risk of becoming severely unwell, and this can lead to hospital admission. They include:

• Young children.
• Older adults (those over 65).
• People with chronic lung or heart disease.
• People with a weakened immune system.

For these people, RSV can be serious and needs to be tested for if their symptoms become severe.

Testing for community spread

Testing is sometimes carried out when there is a need to track an infection to help prevent further spread in a particular community such as in an aged care home.

Timing of test

When people are infected with RSV, the virus is only  found in the nose and throat for a few days. This means the time period that an RSV test will return a positive result is quite small. This explains why people with symptoms strongly suggestive of RSV may test negative. 

Types of tests 

There are two types of tests commonly used to diagnose RSV.

Molecular test - nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
The preferred method is to use a RT-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or NAAT which looks for genetic material from the virus in a sample taken from the nose or throat.

These tests are extremely accurate and can detect even small amounts of the virus. Samples are sent to a pathology laboratory for testing. 

In many laboratories, the test for RSV is combined with tests for other respiratory viruses such as the flu, adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza viruses and COVID-19. Results are usually available the same day. 

Rapid Antigen Test

If you present to the Emergency Department or to your GP with symptoms, you may be tested using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). These tests detect certain proteins on the virus called antigens. Antigens trigger your immune system to attack the virus. 

This type of test offers the benefit of being quick - results are available within 30 minutes or less. 

However, it is not as sensitive as the RT-PCR test so may not pickup the virus. A negative RAT does not always mean the infection is not there and further testing should be considered if your symptoms are ongoing. The RAT is more useful in a situation where the likelihood of infection is already high, for example, testing an infant with typical symptoms during an epidemic. 

In addition to being tested for RSV your doctor may also test you for other respiratory viruses such as flu or for bacterial infection such as Group A Streptococcus.

Having the test

Sample

Usually, a sample taken from the nose but sometimes a swab from the throat is used.

Any preparation?

None.

Your results

Reading your test report
Your results will generally be presented along with those of your other tests on the same form. You will see separate columns or lines for each of these tests.

Any more to know?

A free RSV vaccination program will be available nationally from February 2025 for pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks of their pregnancy, giving protection to their children. Babies whose mothers have not been immunised will also be able to have the vaccine. 

The vaccine is available privately for adults aged 60 years and older who may be at higher risk of severe disease. It is recommended for all people aged 75 years and over, First Nations people aged 60 years and over, and adults aged 60 years and over with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease.

Questions to ask your doctor

The choice of tests your doctor makes will be based on your medical history and symptoms. It is important that you tell them everything you think might help.

You play a central role in making sure your test results are accurate. Do everything you can to make sure the information you provide is correct and follow instructions closely.

Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Find out if you need to fast or stop any particular foods, medications or supplements. These may affect your results. Ask:

• Why does this test need to be done?
• Do I need to prepare (such as fast or avoid medications) for the sample collection?
• Will an abnormal result mean I need further tests?
• How could it change the course of my care?
• What will happen next, after the test?

More information

Pathology and diagnostic imaging reports can be added to your My Health Record.

You and your healthcare provider can now access your results whenever and wherever needed. Get further trustworthy health information and advice from healthdirect.