The NHS has confirmed nine red flag symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults ahead of a major vaccine rollout from September.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and while it usually gets better on its own, it can cause severe illness for babies and older adults over the age of 75. Those who are infected with RSV typically experience cold-like symptoms, but the infection can also lead to more serious infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis. There is no specific treatment for an RSV infection, but the RSV vaccination can help reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill and it is available for free to eligible groups on the NHS.
Vaccine expansion from September
NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have confirmed that the RSV vaccination is being expanded this year to adults aged between 65 and 74 years in certain clinical at risk groups from September 1.
The RSV vaccine has been routinely available to older adults as they turn 75 since September 2024, and was extended to include all adults aged 80 and over, and all residents in care homes, in April this year, but the eligibility criteria is now being expanded even further to following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Nine red flag symptoms
But ahead of the vaccine rollout from September, the NHS has confirmed the key red flag symptoms of an RSV infection and when to seek medical help.
A runny or blocked nose is commonly associated with a cold, but it is one of the key symptoms of an RSV infection and will usually start within a few days of being infected.
Most people infected with RSV will experience a mild, dry cough, but in some cases it can develop into a deeper, more painful cough and worsen other conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A worsening cough can be a sign of pneumonia in older adults and NHS advice recommends asking for an urgent GP appointment if you’ve had a cough for up to three weeks, or you’re coughing up yellow or green mucus.
Sneezing can just be a sign of a common cold or a reaction to allergies, but it is also a key symptom of RSV and will usually appear in the early stages of infection.
Tiredness, fatigue, weakness and a general lack of energy are all very common signs of RSV and in most cases, adults will fully recover with plenty of rest and fluids.
