Explainer
RSV in adults: symptoms, who is at risk and who can get the vaccine
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most adults recover on their own, but it can be serious for older people, babies and people with certain health conditions.
Not medical advice. This article summarises public NHS and UKHSA information. If you are worried about your health or someone else's, use NHS 111 online or call 111. In an emergency call 999.
Symptoms in adults
The NHS says symptoms usually start within a few days of infection. Most people have cold-like symptoms:
- a runny or blocked nose
- a cough
- sneezing
- tiredness
- a high temperature
If RSV leads to a more serious infection, such as pneumonia, it can cause a worsening cough, shortness of breath, faster breathing, wheezing, loss of appetite and, in older adults, confusion.
Who is most at risk
According to the NHS, the people with a higher risk of serious illness include babies under 6 months, young children born prematurely, adults over 75, people with a weakened immune system or long-term heart or lung conditions, and people who smoke.
The RSV vaccine
A free RSV vaccine is available on the NHS if you:
- are 28 weeks pregnant or more, which helps protect your baby for the first few months
- are aged 75 or over
- are aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition (not including asthma that is under control)
- live in a care home for older adults
Treatment and recovery
There is no specific treatment for RSV. The NHS says it often gets better on its own in one or two weeks. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with a high temperature, saline nose drops can help with a blocked nose and it is important to drink plenty of fluids.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or use NHS 111 if you have cold symptoms and a long-term heart or lung condition or a weakened immune system, or if you are more short of breath than usual. Call 999 if you have severe difficulty breathing or your lips or skin are turning very pale, blue or grey.
How much RSV is circulating?
In the week to 18 October 2026, UKHSA reported RSV at baseline levels, with laboratory positivity of 0.9%. Positivity among children under 5 rose to 7.8% from 4.5% the week before. Sithi's weekly figures and forecast are on the home page.
Sources
- NHS, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- UKHSA, National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 22 October 2026 (week 43)
All sources were opened and checked on the date of publication. Summaries are our own words.