You're Offline
The page will automatically refresh once you get online
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:
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.
RSV is spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus.
There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it or spreading it to anyone else, such as:
Young children with a very high risk of getting seriously ill from RSV may be given an injection of infection-fighting antibodies each winter.
This helps reduce the risk of RSV causing severe bronchiolitis. It's usually given in children's clinics in hospital.
The RSV vaccine is recommended if:
The vaccine helps reduce the risk of RSV causing serious problems such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Symptoms of an RSV infection usually start within a few days of getting infected.
Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as:
Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual.
If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause:
Cold-like symptoms are very common in babies and children. They're not usually a sign of anything serious and should get better within a few days.
But get medical help if you're worried your child is seriously ill.
Check symptoms on 111 online (for anyone aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).
If you have a digital thermometer, you can use it to check if you or your child has a high temperature.
For more information about how to do this, see:
If you do not have a thermometer, look for signs such as the back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills).
As a parent, you may know if your child seems seriously unwell and should trust your judgement.
Do not drive yourself to A&E if you are unwell.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
There's no specific treatment for an RSV infection.
It often gets better on its own in 1 or 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.
Treatment in hospital may include being given fluids to avoid dehydration or oxygen to help you breathe.
If you or your child have mild RSV symptoms, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms.
take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have a high temperature and are uncomfortable
give your child children's paracetamol or children's ibuprofen if they have a high temperature and are uncomfortable – always check the leaflet to make sure it's suitable for your child
try using saline nose drops from a pharmacy if your or your child's nose is blocked
drink lots of fluids – try smaller feeds more often in babies, and give older children extra water or diluted fruit juice
do not give aspirin to children under 16
do not smoke around your child – children who breathe in cigarette smoke have a higher risk of getting serious RSV infections
do not try to lower your child's temperature by sponging them with cool water or taking off all their clothes
