22/07/2025
Whooping Cough & RSV 4
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
There is no specific treatment for the RSV infection. It often gets better on its own in 1-2 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. This may include being given fluids to avoid dehydration or oxygen to help you breathe.
The NHS has been rolling out a new vaccination for RSV to protect older people 75-79 and newborn babies all year round. Older people will need just one dose for protection that will last multiple years while women should get the vaccine every time they get pregnant to protect each baby.
Recent analysis suggests that with an uptake of 60%, the maternal programme could result in 70,000 fewer RSV illnesses in infants, 20,000 fewer GP consultations and avoid more than 200 infants being admitted to intensive care.
It also suggests that the first season of the older adult’s catch-up programme could prevent around 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 GP visits and 60,000 illnesses in adults.
