What it is
Most people get better within 1 to 2 weeks with rest, fluids and fever medicines.
Vaccination in pregnancy protects newborn babies, and an RSV vaccine is offered to some older adults.
Common signs
- A runny or blocked nose
- A cough
- Sneezing
- Tiredness
- A high temperature
- Breathing difficulties or poor feeding in babies
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about symptoms and an examination
- Sometimes a nose or throat swab
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Swab results
- GP or hospital notes
- Vaccination records
Questions to ask your doctor
- Am I or my baby eligible for the RSV vaccine?
- How can I tell if breathing is getting worse?
- When should my child go back to nursery?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A baby or child struggling to breathe, with pauses in breathing, blue lips or not feeding: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.