Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV infections are very common. Almost all children get them at least once before they're 2 years old. They're not usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, particularly: babies under 6 months old young children who were born prematurely adults over 75 years babies, children and adults with a weakened immune system, or long-term lung or heart conditions people who smoke tobacco and babies exposed to tobacco smoke 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.

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 others, such as: washing or wiping down toys and cleaning surfaces regularly not touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean using disposable tissues and throwing them away as soon as you've used them trying to keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu, especially if they were born prematurely or have serious health conditions Injection for children at risk of serious infections Young children with a very high risk of getting seriously ill from RSV may be given an injection of infection-fighting antibodies each winter. This helps reduce the risk of RSV causing severe bronchiolitis. It's usually given in children's clinics in hospital. RSV vaccination You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if: you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born you're aged 75 or over you're aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or have a long-term lung condition (this does not include asthma that is under control) you live in a care home for older adults The vaccine helps reduce the risk of RSV causing serious problems, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Symptoms of an RSV infection usually start within a few days of getting infected. Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as: a runny or blocked nose a cough sneezing 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 pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause: a cough that gets worse shortness of breath faster breathing or long gaps between breaths difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite noisy breathing (wheezing) confusion (in older adults) 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.

There's no specific treatment for an RSV infection. 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.

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 try using saline nose drops from a pharmacy if you or your child's nose is blocked drink lots of fluids – try smaller feeds more often in babies, and give older children extra water or diluted fruit juice Don’t do not give aspirin to children under 16 do not smoke around your child – children who breathe in cigarette smoke have a higher risk of getting serious RSV infections do not try to lower your child's temperature by sponging them with cool water or taking off all their clothes