Protect Yourself From Respiratory Syncytial Virus By Getting Vaccinated

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. Although most people who catch RSV start to feel better within a couple of weeks, it can be a serious virus, particularly for older adults and infants.

Like influenza, RSV typically follows a seasonal pattern of transmission, with most transmissions happening during the colder winter months. The RSV incubation period is between two and eight days.

RSV can spread quickly between humans and is transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as sneezes and coughs, so it is important to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. It can be helpful to remember the COVID-19 campaign slogan ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ in order to keep others around you safe.

How Common is RSV and What Are the Dangers?

RSV is a common respiratory virus and most people in the UK will have caught it by the age of two. However, it can be serious and it is actually the primary cause of infant bronchiolitis.

As we only develop partial protection from RSV reinfection, it is possible to be repeatedly infected with the same or a different strain of RSV. Current research indicates that there are around 1,200 deaths per year from RSV in people aged between 25 and 75, and these figures increase considerably to 4,000 deaths per year in people over the age of 75.

RSV Vaccinations for People Aged 60+

It is possible to protect yourself from RSV with a simple vaccine if you are aged 60+. To find out if the vaccine is suitable for you, drop into your nearest branch to speak with one of our pharmacists.