Understanding RSV: What You Need to Know About Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms. Most people recover on their own within a few days.
However for babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems RSV can cause more serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
Symptoms of RSV
Symptoms typically develop a few days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual’s age and overall health and may include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- High temperature
- Runny or blocked nose
In severe cases, RSV can lead to:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Worsening cough
- Faster or irregular breathing
Older adults may experience confusion, while babies may become more irritable or feed less than usual. Cold-like symptoms in babies are often not serious but seek medical help if you’re concerned or if your baby seems very ill.
Preventing, Treating, and Easing Symptoms
RSV spreads through coughs and sneezes from infected individuals. To avoid catching or spreading the virus, follow these prevention tips:
- Clean surfaces and toys regularly
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Use disposable tissues and throw them away immediately after use
- Keep newborns away from anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms, particularly those with underlying health conditions or who were born prematurely
If you or your child have mild symptoms, you can ease them by:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Using saline nose drops (available at pharmacies)
Do not smoke around children, as it increases the risk of serious complications. Do not attempt to cool your child down by sponging them with cold water or removing their clothes.
While there is no specific treatment for RSV, most people recover at home within a week or two. However, if the infection becomes more severe, hospital care may be needed, which could include being given fluids or oxygen.
The RSV Vaccine
While most people will experience RSV multiple times throughout their life, it can cause severe illness, particularly in babies and older adults. The RSV vaccine is recommended for:
- Pregnant women: The vaccine is ideally given around the time of the 28-week antenatal appointment, though it can be administered later, up until labour. This helps protect your baby during the first six months of life, a time when they are most vulnerable to serious RSV-related illness.
- Older adults (ages 75-79): One dose of the vaccine provides protection for several years.
If you are in these groups you can get your vaccine on the NHS however we now offer a private service to anyone over 60.
Common side effects of the RSV vaccine are mild and temporary:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
Serious side effects, like severe allergic reactions, are very rare. If you have any concerns, please speak with your Kamsons vaccinator.
Kamsons Pharmacy now offers the a private RSV vaccination service for over 60s at many of our branches. To book your vaccine, please fill in the form here, and after 48 hours contact your chosen branch to arrange your appointment.
FAQs
Can I have the RSV vaccine if I am unwell?
If you have a high temperature, it’s best to wait until you’re feeling better before receiving the vaccine.
Is the RSV vaccine safe for my baby?
Yes, it is safer to have the vaccine during pregnancy than risk your baby contracting RSV. Many women globally have had this vaccine with no significant issues.
Who cannot have the RSV vaccine?
The vaccine should not be given if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or any of the vaccine’s ingredients.