Despite RSV risk concerns, only 38% fear getting sick
Many Australians aged 65 and over recognise RSV risk as serious, but only 38% of those aware of the virus said they were very or extremely concerned about getting sick from it themselves.
The figures come from a YouGov survey of 1,036 Australians aged 65 and over conducted between 11th May 2026 and 14th May 2026 on behalf of GSK Australia. Among respondents who were aware of RSV, 90% considered it a serious condition.
RSV continues to circulate across Australia, with more than 71,500 notifications reported this year as of July 2026. Adults aged 65 years and over account for 19% of cases, according to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
Gaps in RSV understanding
The survey also found understanding of the virus remained limited. While 82% of respondents could correctly identify at least one fact about RSV, only 5% correctly identified all seven true statements about the virus.
Nearly nine in 10 older Australians either self-manage respiratory symptoms or delay seeking medical advice, with 39% saying they self-manage and 49% saying they wait before speaking to a GP or healthcare professional. Another 76% said symptoms did not feel serious enough or they believed they would resolve on their own.
Professor Paul Griffin, infectious diseases physician and Professor of Medicine at The University of Queensland School of Medicine, said: “What is particularly interesting about these findings is that many Australians aged 65 years and over recognise RSV can be serious, but don’t necessarily perceive themselves to be personally at risk.”
RSV is a common and contagious respiratory virus, and symptoms can include nasal congestion, cough, tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and headache. Although often mild, it can be serious in older adults and may lead to complications including pneumonia and hospitalisation.
The survey found 82% of participants said they were aware of RSV, equal to 855 respondents. Those participants were asked additional questions about their understanding of the virus and their perceptions of personal risk.
