Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a widespread respiratory virus that can cause mild cold-like symptoms in most individuals but poses significant risks to certain groups, especially infants and older adults. Here are key details about RSV:
What is RSV?
- Full Name: Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
- Symptoms: Mild cold-like symptoms in most cases; however, it can lead to severe illnesses such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia, particularly in infants and the elderly.
- Transmission: Highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, and via surfaces contaminated with the virus.
Who is at Risk?
- Infants: Nearly all children are exposed by age two, and RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in this age group.
- Older Adults: RSV causes approximately 1,200 deaths annually in adults aged 45–75 in the UK, and 4,000 deaths in those aged over 75.
Seasonality
- RSV transmission is seasonal, peaking during the winter months, similar to the flu.
Prevention
- Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of tissues properly using the "Catch it, Bin it, Kill it" approach.
- Vaccination: A vaccine is now available for individuals aged 60 and older to protect against severe RSV.
Reinfection
- Immunity from RSV is usually partial, so reinfection is possible throughout life with the same or different strains.
For more details, including vaccine-specific information, you can view the official vaccine insert here.