CASES of a common winter virus that can potentially cause severe health complications in vulnerable older adults and young babies are currently peaking – but experts say many Brits have never heard of it.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infection that affects the airways and lungs.
It typically peaks in winter months, with the latest figures showing RSV cases are currently on the rise across the UK.
A common cause of coughs and colds, RSV isn’t usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill.
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows emergency departments are seeing an increase in acute bronchiolitis among children – a lung infection caused by RSV.
But a new survey has highlighted many people haven’t heard of RSV.
Conducted independently by Ipsos, a market research firm, the survey ran between 2nd-30th September 2024 and included 1,850 people aged over 16 across the UK.
Of those surveyed, 75 per cent weren’t familiar or hadn’t heard of RSV at all.
Awareness was even lower in respondents over 60, with 86 per cent not familiar, despite this group being at-risk of getting seriously ill with RSV.
Even when those surveyed were familiar with RSV, 39 per cent didn’t feel they were likely to catch it in the next six months.
While cases are typically highest in winter months, you can catch RSV all year round.
Dr Ellie Cannon, a GP, said: “As we get deep into winter, and people embrace the seasonal cheer spending time with loved ones and going out with friends, respiratory viruses like RSV are likely to spread.
“Whilst most people get better on their own, everyone should be aware that RSV can lead to more serious illness such as bronchiolitis in young babies and pneumonia in older adults.
“With few treatment options available for RSV, hospital care is often limited to supportive options such as giving oxygen to help breathing and fluids to reduce dehydration.
“A surge in RSV admissions could increase pressure on an already strained NHS.
“It’s important we all do what we can to help protect the most vulnerable and preserve the NHS at this time of year.”
RSV spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and simple things such as ensuring surfaces are clean, regular hand washing and using disposable tissues can help to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
In most people, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms that will get better on their own.
But older adults and young babies may go on to develop more serious illnesses.
In babies, RSV is a common cause of bronchiolitis, a chest infection that can cause breathing problems and may require hospital treatment.
In England it’s estimated that, each year, in infants under six months of age, RSV leads to approximately 65,000 GP appointments and 13,000 hospitalisations.
In adults, the risk of severe disease related to RSV increases with age and can cause severe illness, such as pneumonia.
Each year, in the UK, RSV infection causes illness in older adults (65+) that results in approximately 175,000 GP visits, 14,000 hospitalisations and 8,000 deaths.
Since 1 September 2024, pregnant women have been offered RSV vaccination around the time of their 28 week antenatal appointment.
Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this can help build a good level of antibodies to pass on to the baby before birth.
This can give the newborn baby the best protection, including if they are born early.
Those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 are also eligible for a free NHS vaccine to protect them from RSV.
Pfizer is running an awareness campaign – Be RSV Aware – to help people find out more about the potential risks of RSV infection and prevention options.
The campaign launches with an installation that will travel from London to Manchester during the week of the 2nd December.
It features a sculpture built from approximately 27,000 ‘Get Well’ cards, together representing the estimated total number of people hospitalised as a result of RSV each year.
Passersby will be given ‘get well soon’ cards, each inscribed with information about the risks of RSV, ways to prevent it and options to protect those most at risk.
Dr Gillian Ellsbury, Primary Care Medical Director, Pfizer UK, said: “There has been a big effort by Government and the NHS to raise awareness of RSV. However, our research shows that despite these efforts, awareness of RSV in the UK is still extremely low, particularly in groups most at risk of serious illness.
“We believe there is still work to be done on raising awareness of RSV.”
More information is available at www.BeRSVaware.co.uk.
PEOPLE commonly show symptoms of the virus four to six days after being infected.
Signs include:
But symptoms can be much more subtle in very young babies, including irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.
Most children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.
It can cause a condition called bronchiolitis in babies and young children.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis in very young infants include:
Source: CDC, Asthma + Lung UK
