Runny nose, coughing, fever… could it be RSV? We’ve put together a guide to help you learn about RSV
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages (the respiratory system). It’s a common cause of coughs and colds.
Almost all children will have had RSV by the time they are two years old. While most people recover within a week or two, RSV can sometimes cause more serious problems, especially for babies and older adults.
We’re here to help you feel confident about keeping your family protected against RSV.
Who’s at risk of RSV?
Infections from RSV are common. They aren’t usually serious, but some people have a higher chance of getting seriously ill. This includes:
- Babies under six months old
- Young children who were born prematurely
- Adults over the age of 75
- Babies, children and adults who have a weakened immune system
- Babies, children and adults who have long-term lung or heart conditions
- People who smoke tobacco
- Babies exposed to tobacco smoke
RSV is a common cause of bronchiolitis (a type of chest infection) in babies. This can cause breathing problems and might need hospital treatment.
In older adults and babies, RSV can also cause pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
In babies and young children, RSV symptoms can include:
- A runny or blocked nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- A high temperature (fever)
- Tiredness
Babies with RSV might also feed less than usual and be more irritable.
If RSV leads to a serious infection like pneumonia, it might also cause symptoms like:
- A cough that gets worse
- Having shortness of breath
- Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
- Loss of appetite – this might look like a difficulty in feeding for babies
- Wheezing (noisy breathing)
- Confusion in older adults
When should I see my GP?
It’s important to keep an eye on symptoms. Cold-like symptoms are very common and don’t usually mean anything serious, but there are some instances that you will need to get medical help.
Make sure to ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- Your child is unwell and isn’t getting better
- Your child is eating less or feeding less
- Your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more
- Your child is showing any signs of dehydration
- Your baby is sweating, shivering or feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest
- Your baby is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C
- Your baby is older than three months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- You or your child (age five or older) has a temperature below 36°C
- Your child is very tired or irritable
- You get cold symptoms and you have a long-term medical condition like a heart or lung condition
- You get cold symptoms and you have a weakened immune system, for example because you’re having chemotherapy
- You’re struggling with breathing or you’re shorter of breath than you usually are
Make sure to call 999 if:
- Your child is struggling to breathe. They might be grunting, taking long pauses in their breathing or sucking their tummy under their ribs
- You’re struggling to breathe. You might be gasping, choking or not able to get words out
- Your child is floppy and won’t wake up or stay awake
- You’re struggling to stay awake
- You or your child’s lips or skin are turning very pale, blue or grey. On black and brown skin, this might be easier to see on the palms of the hands
- Your child is under five years old and has a temperature below 36°C
As a parent, you know your child best, and if you feel something is wrong, trust your instincts. It’s always okay to seek help if you're worried about their health.
If you’re feeling unwell yourself, remember not to drive to A&E. It's important to stay safe. Instead, call 999, and the person you speak to will guide you through what to do next, making sure you get the right care.
Is RSV common?
RSV is very common, especially in the winter months. It’s one of the main reasons young children are taken to the hospital with breathing problems. Almost all children catch RSV before the age of two, and while most recover with home care, some may need extra support like oxygen or fluids.
How is RSV diagnosed?
RSV can be diagnosed by your GP based on your symptoms. In some cases, a nose or throat swab may be taken to confirm if it’s RSV or another virus. If your child is very young or has severe symptoms, they might need a chest X-ray or oxygen level test.
Can I avoid RSV?
RSV spreads through tiny droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. It can also be picked up by touching surfaces where the virus has landed, like doorknobs or toys and then touching your face. It can be easy to catch, especially in crowded places like nurseries and schools.
There are some ways to help reduce your chances of getting it or spreading it to anyone else. You can:
- Wash your hands often, especially before touching your face or handling babies
- Keep surfaces clean
- Try to keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu, especially if they were born prematurely or have health conditions that affect their immune system
- Wash or wipe down toys regularly
- Use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as they’ve been used
- Try to avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose if your hands aren’t clean
If your baby is very young or you’re at higher risk, try to keep them away from crowded places during RSV season, which usually starts in October and can last for four to five months, peaking in December.
Can I get vaccinated against RSV?
The RSV vaccination can help to lower the chances of having severe breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis and being hospitalised.
The RSV vaccination is recommended if:
• You’re pregnant – it’s suggested during every pregnancy from 28 weeks onwards to help protect your baby once they're born for the first few months
• You’re aged 75 to 79
If you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you’re eligible for the RSV vaccination until 31 August 2025.
There are different ways to get the RSV vaccination, depending on your situation.
If you’re pregnant
The vaccination is offered around your 28-week antenatal appointment. Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will help provide protection for your baby. Speak to your maternity service or GP if you haven’t been offered the vaccination.
If you’re aged 75 to 79
Your GP surgery will usually contact you to book your vaccination. You’ll be informed via letter, text, phone call, or email, so it’s best to wait to be contacted.
Most people who are eligible can safely have the RSV vaccination. However, those who’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or to an ingredient in the vaccination should not receive it. If you have a high temperature, it’s best to wait until you feel better before getting vaccinated.
Young children
Young children who are at a high risk of becoming seriously ill from RSV may be given an injection of infection-fighting antibodies during the winter months every year. This treatment helps lower the chance of RSV leading to severe bronchiolitis.
The injections are usually administered at children’s clinics in hospitals.
If you’re eligible for the free NHS RSV vaccination, you may be able to get this from your GP surgery or some maternity units if you’re pregnant. Alternatively, we offer a private RSV Vaccination Service*, which provides a single dose of RSV vaccination to eligible groups at selected Boots pharmacies across the UK.
This service isn’t suitable for anyone who’s:
- Under 60 years of age
- Pregnant and under 18 years of age
- Had an allergic reaction to any injections or vaccinations in the past
It’s important to know that the above isn’t a complete list and your suitability will be checked at your appointment.
The most common side effects of the vaccination are mild and short-lived. They can include:
- Swelling or pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Aching body
Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are very rare. The person administering your vaccination is trained to manage any reactions immediately.
How do I treat RSV?
There isn’t a specific treatment for RSV, but the good news is that it usually clears up on its own within a week or two. Most children and adults with mild symptoms can be cared for at home. For more serious infections, hospital treatment might be needed.
If you or your child have mild symptoms of RSV, there are simple things you can do to make things more comfortable:
Try:
- Taking pain relief medicines, like paracetamol or ibuprofen if there’s a high temperature or discomfort, if they’re suitable for you. For children, make sure you use children’s versions
- Using saline nose sprays from the pharmacy if your child has a blocked nose, as this can help with breathing
- Keeping hydrated. Offer smaller, more frequent feeds for babies, and give older children extra water or diluted juice
Make sure to avoid:
- Giving aspirin to children under 16, as it can be harmful
- Smoking around your child, as second-hand smoke increases the risk of serious RSV infections
- Lowering your child’s temperature by sponging them with cool water or removing their clothes. Just keeping them comfortable is the best approach
With care and attention, most RSV symptoms can be managed easily at home and you should be feeling better soon. If you're ever worried, make sure to speak to your GP.
