What is RSV, as new vaccine rolled out

Kate Ng
Mother checking body temperature of her crying baby with a thermometer
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known as RSV, can be especially dangerous for young babies and elderly adults. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

A new vaccine that will protect newborn babies and elderly adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has been rolled out in Scotland, and will be offered to the rest of the UK from September.

The vaccine is being offered to pregnant women at least 28 weeks into their pregnancies in order to protect newborn babies. Doses are also being offered to adults aged 75 and as a one-off catch up for people aged 75 to 79.

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of immunisation at Public Health Scotland, warned that RSV "can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as newborns, infants and older adults".

"If you are eligible, getting vaccinated is the best and simplest thing you can do to protect yourself or your newborn baby from RSV," he added.

Here’s everything you need to know about RSV:

RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds, and usually improves on its own. However, it can be especially dangerous for babies under six months old, children who were born prematurely, adults over 75 years of age, and babies, children and older adults with a weakened immune system or long-term lung or heart conditions.

According to the NHS, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis in babies, which can cause breathing problems.

It can also cause pneumonia in babies and older adults. It is highly contagious, and those who become infected with it can spread it to others from before the onset of symptoms to one week after symptoms began.

Mother taking temperature of her crying baby girl
If your baby has a high temperature, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment. (Getty Images) (Getty Images/Westend61)

Symptoms of RSV usually start within a few days of getting infected, and most people will get cold-like symptoms, including:

  • Runny or blocked nose

  • Sneezing

  • Coughing

  • Feeling tired

  • High temperature

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual. If RSV leads to a more serious infection, it may cause:

  • A cough that gets worse

  • Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths

  • Difficulty feeding or eating

  • Noisy breathing

You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

  • Your child is unwell and worsening

  • Your child loses their appetite

  • 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 three months and has a temperature of 38C

  • Your baby is over three months and has a temperature of 39C or higher

  • You or a child aged five 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 or a weakened immune system

  • You have difficulty breathing

RSV is highly infectious and is spread by an infected person’s coughing and sneezing.

In order to reduce your chances of catching it, you should wash your hands and your child’s hands often; wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly; avoid sharing 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.

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