What are the symptoms of RSV and who is eligible for a vaccine?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery An illustration of the respiratory syncytial virus “RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways,” says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. “People with asthma, chronic lung conditions, or weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk of having a more severe illness if they catch RSV.” What are the most common symptoms of RSV? “Most children can be looked after at home but sometimes it requires hospital treatment.” In addition, for some older adults and people with lung conditions or weakened immune systems, RSV can lead to pneumonia. “Also, try to avoid sharing cutlery with other people.” Avoid close contact with people who are unwell “Try to keep newborn babies, in particular, away from anyone with a cold or flu symptoms,” says Spillett.