Health experts in the NHS British have called on eligible pregnant women to be vaccinated against the winter to protect their babies against the respiratory sycacitial virus (RSV).
Australia experienced its highest number of RSVs last year, and NHS officials said Australia’s winter is often a good predictor of how viruses spread in the UK. Since the beginning of 2025, the virus has been spreading continuously, with almost half of the reports reported in children under the age of five.
Responding to the process, Kate Bernour, Midwifery Chief of NHS, said, “Vaccinating during pregnancy is the best way to protect her baby from the moment of birth, and now is the mother’s time to make sure that their babies protect themselves before the first few months, when there are more problems with it.”
But what is RSV exactly? And how does it spread? We talked to Dr. Andy Vitamore, GP and Clinical Lead in the UK + Lung, which highlights key signs for their search and shared some ways to help protect yourself and the family.
What is RSV?
“The respiratory sink virus is a virus that causes a lot of symptoms similar to the common cold,” explains. “Most of us get it at times and we don’t even know that we have had it.”
According to asthma + British lungs, a maximum of 9 in 10 children go to their general practitioner over 65 before being two years old and older in adults.
How is it expanding?
“Like most respiratory viruses, RSV extends by coughing and sneezing droplets from its respiratory tract, thereby spreading for other people,” says Vitamaur. “This is often played in the air by calling or if the surfaces are ended.”
While RSV can circulate throughout the year, it usually peaks in colder months.
“We see a big peak in the NHS between October and February, especially in December/January,” says Vitamaur.
What are the most common symptoms?
“As a general practitioner, I see a lot of people with respiratory virus and you can’t really say whether the flu is Coveid, RSV or a cold,” says Vitamor. “Common symptoms of runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, tiredness, etc., may also have fever with it, and if this respiratory system affects them, they may also experience breath or wheezing.”
According to the NHS website, high temperatures are another main sign that you should look for.
“For most people, these symptoms do not last more than a week to 10 days,” says Vitamaur.
Can it lead to serious complications?
RSV can lead to some serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis for high -risk groups such as infants, young children and the elderly.
“What we see with RSV, especially in small children under the age of two, is that it can cause bronchiolitis, which can cause completely impressive breathing effects that can often put people in the hospital,” Vitamore says. “We also see that RSV has a huge impact on people over 75. We know that the age group is likely to cause problems for their breathing and can continue and cause pneumonia and probably increase their chances of going to the hospital.”
The NHS website also stated that people with poor immune systems or long -term lung or cardiac conditions and people who kill tobacco are also at risk.
A more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) may cause cough to worsen, shortness of breath, noisy breathing (wheezing), faster breathing or long gaps between breaths, difficulty nourishing infants or loss of appetite and confusion in the elderly, according to the NHS website.
How is it treated?
RSV often gets better in a week or two, so you can usually take care of it at home.
“One important thing is to get well hydrated,” says Vitamaur. “People with RSV should pressure their fluids, rest more, take paracetamol, and usually observe themselves. However, if you are concerned about yourself or your child, seek advice or call 111 after your doctor’s advice.”
Can it be prevented?
There are things you can do to reduce the chance of getting RSV or play it to anyone else.
Vitama recommends: “Make sure you use your nose or sneeze when you use the tissue and remove it.” “Also, remember to wash your hands and clean the surfaces regularly.”
However, the general practitioner emphasizes that the most important way to prevent people from getting sick with RSV is to make sure you get an RSV vaccine if it is right.
If pregnant (from 28 weeks of pregnancy) RSV is recommended – to help protect the baby for the first few months after birth – or if you are between 75 and 79 years of age.
New UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) research has shown that the RSV vaccine is about 82 % effective in preventing adult hospitalization with RSV infection.
Whittamore recommends: “Most physician’s methods call and invite them, but if one thinks they are eligible and are not contacted, they should call their GP surgery and see if they can book it.”
