RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccines
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RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines are available at the surgery.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections usually get better by themselves, but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults.
Who’s at risk from 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.