Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe respiratory illness, particularly in infants, older adults, and individuals with certain chronic health conditions.
What is RSV?
RSV is a highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. While most people recover within a week or two, RSV can be particularly dangerous for certain groups:
- Infants and young children are at higher risk of developing severe RSV, which can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
- Older adults, especially those with chronic heart or lung diseases, or weakened immune systems, are also at increased risk of severe illness.
Symptoms of RSV
Common symptoms of RSV include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
In severe cases, RSV can cause significant respiratory distress, requiring hospitalisation.
Who Should Get the RSV Vaccine?
Vaccination is an important tool in preventing severe RSV infections. The CDC recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine for:
- All adults aged 75 and older
- Adults aged 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV due to underlying health conditions such as chronic cardiovascular or lung diseases, diabetes, or weakened immune systems
- Pregnant Women– the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they’re born.
RSV Vaccination
The RSV vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm.
Unlike some vaccines (such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines), the RSV vaccine is given all year round, this helps to protect you before the virus starts to spread widely in the community.
If you’re pregnant, you should have the vaccine during every pregnancy. This will help make sure each baby is protected for the first 6 months after they’re born, when they’re most likely to get seriously ill if they get RSV.
Older adults only need 1 dose, which should protect them for several years.
Benefits of Vaccination
The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis and helps to prevent hospitalisation.
It is especially important for protecting vulnerable populations, such as older adults and those with chronic health conditions
Vaccination at Palace Gate Practice
If you or a family member fall into one of the high-risk categories, please consider discussing RSV vaccination with your team at Palace Gate Practice.
For more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment, please contact our practice.