Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.

Who’s at risk from RSV?

RSV is very common. Almost all children get it at least once before they’re 2 years old. It’s not usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, particularly:

• babies under 6 months old
• children who were born prematurely
• adults over 75 years
• babies, children and older adults with a weakened immune system, or long-term lung or heart conditions

In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital. RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.

Symptoms of RSV

Symptoms of RSV usually start within a few days of getting infected. Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as:

• a runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• a cough
• tiredness
• a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual. If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as bronchiolitis) it may also cause:

• noisy breathing (wheezing)
• a cough that gets worse
• faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
• difficulty feeding or eating

RSV Vaccination

A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available at the practice from 1 September 2024.

You’ll be able to get the free NHS vaccine if:

• you’re aged 75 to 79
• you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they’re born

If you’re aged 75 to 79, we will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted. From September, you can also speak to your maternity service or us about getting your RSV vaccination if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more.

You can find more information about RSV here: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You Can also download a leaflet here: Your guide to the RSV vaccine for older adults