--- title: "RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): Symptoms & Treatment" description: "A plain-English guide to RSV — symptoms in babies and adults, home care, and when to seek medical advice." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/rsv/ robots: noindex --- # RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): Symptoms & Treatment Health A–Z A plain-English guide to RSV — symptoms in babies and adults, home care, and when to seek medical advice. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is RSV? RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. In babies, especially those under 6 months, it can cause bronchiolitis with breathlessness and poor feeding. Most infections are mild and get better within 1 to 2 weeks, but seek urgent help if a baby is struggling to breathe or not feeding. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 7 sections ## Key facts about RSV - RSV is very common — most children have had it by age 2. - Symptoms include runny nose, cough, fever and reduced feeding in babies. - Can cause bronchiolitis in young babies — wheeze and breathlessness. - Spreads like a cold through coughs, sneezes and close contact. - An NHS RSV vaccine is offered to older adults and some pregnant women. ## What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viruses affecting the lungs and airways. Almost all children have been infected by age two. In most people it causes a mild cold, but in **young babies** — particularly under six months — it can cause **bronchiolitis**, a condition that makes breathing and feeding harder. RSV circulates every winter and is a major reason babies are admitted to hospital in the colder months. ## Symptoms RSV symptoms depend on age and general health: **In babies and young children:** - runny or blocked nose - cough - fever - reduced feeding or drinking - breathlessness or wheezing - irritability and tiredness **In older children and adults:** - cold-like symptoms — blocked nose, cough, sore throat - sometimes a mild fever and headache Most infections improve within one to two weeks without specific treatment. ## Bronchiolitis in babies When RSV affects the small airways in babies, it can cause bronchiolitis. Warning signs include: - fast or laboured breathing - wheezing or a crackly sound when breathing - difficulty feeding — taking less than half the usual amount - fewer wet nappies Most babies with bronchiolitis can be cared for at home, but some need hospital monitoring and support with feeding or oxygen. ## How RSV spreads RSV spreads through coughs, sneezes, and direct contact — similar to a cold. It survives on surfaces for several hours. Good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with vulnerable babies when you have cold symptoms helps reduce spread. ## Caring for a child at home For mild RSV: - offer fluids or feeds little and often - keep the child upright if a blocked nose makes feeding difficult - paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever, following age-appropriate dosing - saline nose drops can help clear a blocked nose in babies Do not smoke around children — it increases the severity of RSV. ## RSV vaccination The NHS now offers RSV vaccination to help protect those at highest risk, including older adults and pregnant women (from 28 weeks). Check current NHS eligibility — vaccination reduces serious illness but does not prevent all infections. ## When to seek help Trust your instincts with babies. Seek urgent help for struggling to breathe, blue lips, poor feeding, or a baby who is much more lethargic than usual. ## ! When to see a GP about RSV See a GP or contact NHS 111 if a baby is feeding less than half their usual amount, has not had a wet nappy for 12 hours, or has a persistent high temperature. Call **999** if a baby or child is struggling to breathe (grunting, sucking in below the ribs, nostrils flaring), is blue around the lips, or is very difficult to wake. Adults with worsening breathlessness or chest pain should also seek urgent advice. ## Common questions about RSV What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It causes colds in older children and adults, but can cause more significant breathing problems in young babies. What is bronchiolitis and how is it linked to RSV? Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, most often caused by RSV in babies under 12 months. It causes cough, wheeze and breathlessness. Most babies recover at home, but some need hospital care. Is there a vaccine for RSV? Yes. The NHS offers RSV vaccination to people aged 75 to 79, and to pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect newborn babies. Eligibility may change — check current NHS guidance. How can I help a baby with RSV at home? Offer smaller, more frequent feeds, keep them upright where possible, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever if age-appropriate. Do not smoke near the baby. Saline nose drops can help a blocked nose. Can adults get RSV? Yes. In healthy adults it usually causes a cold-like illness. Older adults and people with heart or lung disease may become more unwell and should seek advice if breathless. ## Sources - [NHS — Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/) - [NHS — Bronchiolitis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bronchiolitis/)