The UK Health Security Agency issued a warning in its weekly update yesterday with the anticipated ‘tripledemic’ being joined by a new threat. Initially, doctors feared a combination of new Covid strains, flu and RSV would inundate the NHS this winter but this has been further compounded by widespread breakouts of vomiting bug Norovirus.
The update noted cases and hospitalisations for people with RSV and Covid were continuing to rise alongside norovirus outbreaks. But how do you tell the difference between the startlingly similar respiratory infections and what can people do to avoid becoming ill?
The NHS notes that RSV, Respiratory syncytial virus, in itself isn’t too difficult to overcome but it can lead to serious lung infections like pneumonia or chest infections like bronchiolitis in both babies and adults. Symptoms can mimic a cold with some slight differences and usually arise a few days after you become infected.
It includes:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Tiredness
- Irritableness in babies or babies feeding less
Additionally, a common RSV symptom is your chest or back feeling hotter than usual which can be paired with sweatiness and shivering. Most children and adults can recover from RSV within a week or two without much intervention as most at-home treatments revolve around making the patient comfortable and defeating the symptoms individually.
The NHS also notes that these infections are incredibly common: “Almost all children get them at least once before they’re 2 years old.” Adding that babies under the age of 6 months, premature babies, adults over the age of 75, smokers and babies exposed to tobacco smoke as well as immunocompromised people are most at risk.
However, if the RSV is developing into more serious illnesses some new symptoms might arise. This includes:
- Cough that gets worse
- Shortness of breath
- Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
- Loss of appetite in adults or difficulty feeding in babies
- Noisy breathing or wheezing
- Confusion in older adults
Dr Alexander Allen, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, warned as part of the agency’s update: “RSV continues to spread at higher levels across all age groups. For the first time this year, RSV vaccinations are being offered to those who are 28 weeks pregnant or more, as well as individuals aged 75-79 years.
“Anyone still eligible for the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines should get booked in ahead of the busy winter holiday period, when we expect flu, and other respiratory viruses to spread between people more easily. Vaccination offers the best defence against these diseases, and now is the time to get protected before Christmas.”