Respiratory infection
RSV
A common respiratory virus that can cause serious lower respiratory illness in infants and older adults.
Explore RSV on the monitor · Reviewed 2026-10-06
How it spreads
Infectious respiratory particles, direct contact and contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms and context
Runny nose, cough, fever or wheezing; young infants may become seriously ill without fever.
Prevention
Reduce contact with sick people and follow local advice about infant antibodies and vaccination for eligible groups.
When to seek advice
Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty or pauses in breathing; a baby feeding poorly needs prompt assessment.
On the desk
No reviewed event summary is currently listed for this category. Search its collected reporting.
Read the original guidance
This is general information. Current local health guidance and professional assessment take priority for individual decisions.