Former ABC Chair Ita Buttrose is raising awareness about the risks of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for older Australians. While the virus is widely known to impact babies and young children, many older adults are unaware of the dangers it poses to them.
Buttrose, who served as ABC chair from 2019 to 2024, is on a mission to educate older Australians about RSV. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness in seniors, particularly those with underlying health conditions.
RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in older adults, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Buttrose's campaign aims to ensure that older Australians take precautions against RSV, especially during winter months when the virus is most prevalent. She encourages seniors to speak with their healthcare providers about vaccination and other preventive measures.
