Many individuals might unknowingly suffer from a potentially serious respiratory condition, mistaking their symptoms for those of the flu. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent virus that can resemble cold and flu symptoms but poses significant risks, particularly for infants and the elderly.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has observed a rise in both influenza and RSV cases throughout the UK as we progress further into the winter season. RSV is known for spreading more extensively during colder months and is highly infectious.

According to recent figures from the UKHSA, the rate of RSV positivity climbed to 10 percent in the week spanning November 24 to 30, up from 8.7 percent the week before. NHS guidelines state that nearly all children will contract RSV at least once by the age of two.

However, infants and older adults are particularly vulnerable to complications from an RSV infection, such as pneumonia, which may require hospital care. Babies are also at risk of developing bronchiolitis, a chest infection that can escalate into a severe lung condition.

Fortunately, the risk of infection can be mitigated by adopting measures to curb its spread, especially if you are experiencing symptoms indicative of an RSV infection.

RSV symptoms

The NHS advises that those infected with RSV typically begin to show symptoms within a few days of contracting the virus. These symptoms can vary and often mimic those of the flu or common cold:

• A cough
• A high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)
• A runny or blocked nose
• Tiredness
• Sneezing
• A cough that gets worse
• Shortness of breath
• Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
• Difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite
• Wheezing
• Confusion (in older adults)

Symptoms from an RSV infection usually get better on their own without further treatment. However, there may be some situations where you may need to speak to a GP.

Full details on RSV can be found on the NHS website here.