Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common winter virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms, but it can cause serious lung infections in babies, older adults and people with heart or lung disease. Several countries now offer RSV vaccines to older adults and to pregnant women, whose antibodies protect their newborns in the first months of life.
Symptoms in adults
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough and sore throat
- Fever
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Tiredness
In older or frail adults, RSV can cause pneumonia or worsen heart failure, COPD and asthma.
Who is at higher risk?
- Adults aged 75 and over (and 60+ in some guidance)
- People with chronic heart or lung disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- Care home residents
- Premature babies and infants under 6 months
Treatment
- Most people recover at home within 1 to 2 weeks
- Rest, fluids and paracetamol for fever
- Antibiotics don’t work on RSV, though bacterial infections can follow
- Seek help for breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion or worsening chronic conditions
RSV vaccines
- Older adults: vaccines are available in many countries; eligibility differs (for example, by age 75+ in the UK programme, and 75+ or 60–74 with risk factors in the US). Check your national programme.
- Pregnancy: an RSV vaccine given during the later part of pregnancy (timing varies by country, often around 28–36 weeks) protects babies in their first months.
- Infants: some countries use a long-acting antibody (nirsevimab) for babies instead of or as well as maternal vaccination.
Prevention
- Wash hands regularly
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay away from vulnerable people when you’re unwell
- Clean frequently touched surfaces
For nurses
Use droplet and contact precautions for suspected RSV in hospital, check vaccine eligibility for older patients and pregnant women, and include RSV in winter respiratory testing as per local protocol.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults get RSV more than once?
Yes, reinfections occur throughout life.
Can I have the RSV and flu vaccine together?
Guidance varies; many programmes allow co-administration. Ask your vaccinator.
Related reading: Flu season 2026–27 · Bronchiolitis in children
Checked against NHS RSV vaccine guidance. Updated 5 November 2026.
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