Every year, thousands of our elders and babies are admitted to hospital with a serious lung infection caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV. GPs Dr Mohit Mandiratta and Dr Oge Ilozue explain what you need to know about it.
Many people who catch respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, develop cold-like symptoms lasting two to three weeks before getting better by themselves.
But it can also cause serious lung infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and infant bronchiolitis.
“People with RSV might look like they have just a cold, but it can develop into a life-threatening illness,” warns Dr Mandiratta, a GP working in the West Midlands. “Around 30,000 babies in the UK are admitted to hospital because of it every year and around 9,000 older adults. Sadly, some of them die.
“Thankfully, there’s a free vaccine available from the NHS. It’s offered to people aged 75 to 79 as they are at greater risk, and to pregnant women because when they have the vaccine, it also protects their babies.”
Why is RSV such a problem for older people?
Our immune systems naturally weaken as we age, so we’re more at risk from infections. We catch them more easily and are more likely to get severe symptoms.
We’re also more likely to have other health conditions that cause complications, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or type 2 diabetes.
“Viruses like RSV can also spread easily in care homes, or where families of different generations live together,” says Dr Ilozue, who works in London. “So, there’s lots of reasons why you might be at risk, even if you feel fit and healthy.”
Why are we so worried about babies catching RSV?
Babies’ immune systems aren’t strong enough to protect them from RSV. And because their lungs are so small, they can easily become overwhelmed.
RSV is the leading cause of infant bronchiolitis, which is especially dangerous for babies under one. Bronchiolitis makes it hard for them to breathe or feed. A severe infection may put them at risk of breathing problems later in life and can be fatal.
“Many babies with RSV have common cold-like symptoms that get better in a few days,” adds Dr Ilozue. “But all babies under one are at risk from becoming seriously ill with RSV.
“Warning signs include a worsening cough, shortness of breath, with wheezing, faster breathing or longer pauses in between. Babies may have difficulty feeding, be drooling a lot or stop wetting their nappy. They may be weak and have a high temperature but feel cold or sweaty to touch.
“This is when parents need urgent medical advice, by contacting their GP practice or calling NHS 111. If your baby has severe problems breathing, is floppy, can’t wake or stay awake, and their skin is turning blue or grey, call 999.”
So why vaccinate pregnant women?
Some vaccines are offered to pregnant women because the immunity they gain is shared with their baby, helping to protect them after they’re born.
“Vaccination reduces the risk of severe RSV lung infection by around 70% in the first six months of life,” says Dr Mandiratta. “It really is the best protection for your baby.
”If you’re 28 weeks pregnant or later and haven’t been offered RSV vaccination, please ask your GP practice or maternity service.”
Why have I never heard of RSV?
Almost everyone has had RSV more than once, in fact, 90% of children catch it by the age of two.
“Most people with RSV will think they just have a cold, although it can make them pretty unwell,” adds Dr Mandiratta. “But unless someone is tested, they may never know what it is and tests are not normally done outside of hospital.
“Vaccination can’t guarantee you won’t catch it, but it’s the best way to reduce severe symptoms and could save your life.”
How do you catch it?
Just like flu and COVID-19, RSV spreads through coughs and sneezes and droplets that land on surfaces, which can be picked up on someone’s hands and breathed in.
“We can all do our bit to avoid spreading respiratory viruses,” says Dr Mandiratta. “This includes using disposable tissues and keeping our hands and surfaces clean.”
“But viruses like RSV, as well as flu and COVID-19, are easy to catch or pass on, even before you know you’re ill,” adds Dr Ilozue. “This is why vaccination is the best protection from severe symptoms.”
When can I be vaccinated?
The RSV vaccine is available to:
- Pregnant women, from 28 weeks.
- People between the ages of 75 and 79
- People who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, until 31 August 2025
The RSV vaccine is available all-year round and more than 1.5 million so far have had it.
Vaccination is recommended for women in every pregnancy, to protect their new baby. Speak to your antenatal service or GP practice to arrange vaccination.
For older adults, a single dose offers lasting protection. If you’re 75-79 and haven’t had yours, please contact your GP practice.
Read more about RSV on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/rsv
- Don’t forget to get your flu jab. If you’re eligible, speak with your GP practice or visit a pharmacy offering vaccination before 31 March.
