NHS 111 Wales

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections. For most adults, RSV causes a mild illness, such as a cough or cold, and usually gets better on its own.??

In a small number of older adults, RSV infection can lead to serious health problems. People with lung disease or a weakened immune system are more at risk. It can cause pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and, in some cases, death. RSV may also?make?symptoms of?existing heart and lung conditions worse.?

Most RSV infections occur in autumn and winter, but you can have the RSV vaccine at any time of the year.?

You will be offered the RSV vaccine if you:

are aged 75 or over
live in a care home for older adults (whatever your age), or
are aged 65 to 74 years and have one of the health conditions listed below:
- poorly controlled asthma?– asthma that causes?symptoms?often?
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?–?a?group of?lung?conditions?that makes breathing?hard?
- bronchiectasis?– a lung condition where the airways are damaged and make a lot of mucus?
- cystic fibrosis?–?a genetic condition that causes thick mucus in the lungs?
- interstitial lung fibrosis?– scarring of the lungs??
- pneumoconiosis?– lung disease caused by breathing in?certain types of?dust??
- bronchopulmonary dysplasia?–?a?long-term?lung condition that?begins?in some babies?
- a weakened immune system?because of illness or medical treatment?