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.
How to avoid catching and spreading RSV
RSV is spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus.
There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it or spreading it to anyone else, such as:
- wash your hands and your child’s hands often
- wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly
- avoid sharing things like cutlery and cups
- use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as you’ve used them
- keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu – especially if they were born prematurely or have serious health conditions
Treatment for children at risk of serious infections
Children who have a very high risk of getting seriously ill from RSV may be given treatment in the winter (between October and March) to help reduce the risk of RSV causing severe bronchiolitis.
Information:
RSV vaccination from September 2024
A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 2024.
You’ll be able to get the 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, your GP surgery will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted. Poole Town Surgery will be sending out invites.
From September, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting your RSV vaccination if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more.
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:
- a cough that gets worse
- faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
- difficulty feeding or eating
- noisy breathing (wheezing)
Information:
Cold-like symptoms are very common in babies and children. They’re not usually a sign of anything serious and should get better within a few days.
But get medical help if you’re worried your child is seriously ill.
Urgent advice:Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- your child is unwell and it’s getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, feels sweaty or is shivering
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- you or a child aged 5 years or older has a temperature below 36C
- your child is very tired or irritable
- you get cold symptoms and you have a long-term medical condition (such as a heart or lung condition) or a weakened immune system (for example, because you’re having chemotherapy)
- you have difficulty breathing – you may be more short of breath than usual
Check symptoms on 111 online (for anyone aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).
Information:
How to take a temperature
If you have a digital thermometer, you can use it to check if you or your child has a high temperature.
For more information about how to do this, see:
If you do not have a thermometer, look for signs such as the back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills).
Immediate action required:Call 999 if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises, long pauses in their breathing or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- you have severe difficulty breathing – you’re gasping, choking or not able to get words out
- you or your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
- you or your child’s lips or skin are turning very pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands
- your child is under 5 years and has a temperature below 36C
As a parent, you may know if your child seems seriously unwell and should trust your judgement.
Information:
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Treatment for RSV
There’s no specific treatment for RSV.
It often gets better on its own in 1 or 2 weeks and you can usually look after yourself or your child at home.
Children and adults who get a more serious infection may need to be treated in hospital.
Treatment in hospital may include being given fluids to avoid dehydration or oxygen to help you breathe.
Things you can do to ease RSV symptoms
If you or your child have mild RSV symptoms, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.
Do
-
take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have a high temperature and are uncomfortable
-
give your child children’s paracetamol or children’s ibuprofen if they have a high temperature and are uncomfortable – always check the leaflet to make sure it’s suitable for your child
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try using salt water (saline) drops if your or your child’s nose is blocked
-
stay upright as much as possible when awake – this can help make it easier to breathe
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drink lots of fluids – try smaller feeds more often in babies, and give older children extra water or diluted fruit juice
Don’t
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do not give aspirin to children under 16
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do not smoke around your child – children who breathe in cigarette smoke have a higher risk of getting serious RSV infections
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do not try to lower your child’s temperature by sponging them with cool water or taking off all their clothes
