Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically October to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 in the UK annually, and for 20 to 30 infant deaths.
RSV can also be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions. It causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year.
Who is at risk?
RSV can be especially dangerous for infants and the elderly.
Severe RSV is most common in infants under 1 year old. Babies are particularly vulnerable to RSV lung infections as they have small airways and have limited immunity against the virus. RSV infection in infants can cause a condition called bronchiolitis which is inflammation and blockage of the small air tubes in the lung.
Infants with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal.
The symptoms of RSV
RSV may cause a cough or a cold, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever. Most cases are not serious and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks.
You can find out more about the symptoms of RSV on the NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/
RSV can also cause bronchiolitis in infants, which can make it difficult to breathe and feed. RSV bronchiolitis symptoms may include difficult, fast or noisy breathing and being unsettled or difficult to comfort.
RSV vaccination
From August 2024 in Scotland and September 2024 in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, pregnant women at week 28 or later and everyone aged 75 to 79 or turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September will be offered a vaccine to protect themselves or their babies against RSV.
Older Adults:
- A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection.
- Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of RSV vaccine.
- The vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024.
- Your GP surgery will contact you to offer you an RSV vaccination appointment if you are eligible
- RSV vaccine is given all year round
Find out more https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/rsv-vaccine/