Bronchiolitis and RSV resources for professionals

About RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter.

It is a common seasonal winter virus which causes mild respiratory infection in adults and children, but it can be severe in infants who are at increased risk of acute lower respiratory tract infection. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children aged under 2 years.

The RSV season in the UK typically begins in the autumn, earlier than the adult flu season, and runs through winter.

During in the 2020-21 pandemic, there was a remarkable reduction in respiratory viral infections other than COVID-19. This means that there is an increased number of young children who have never been exposed to these common viruses.

Around the world we have seen evidence of unseasonal outbreaks of these infections as measures such as social distancing and mask wearing are relaxed.

In response to the unseasonable outbreaks and summer case detections by PHE surveillance, the offer of the preventative medicine palivizumab has been brought forward from the usual October start date and the number of doses has been extended from 5 to 7.

Palivizumab is also available for young children who are at the highest risk of complications from RSV, reducing the risk of hospitalisation in those most vulnerable.

Starting 1 September 2024, the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine will be offered to the following groups year-round to protect infants and older adults:

  1. Pregnant Women from 28 Weeks’ Gestation:
    • All pregnant women at or beyond 28 weeks’ gestation on 1 September 2024 should be offered the RSV vaccine.
    • The vaccine aims to reduce RSV incidence and severity in infants
    • Administering the vaccine at 28 weeks’ gestation boosts maternal antibodies, which are transferred to the unborn child, providing early-life protection against RSV.
    • The vaccine should be routinely offered as women reach 28 weeks of pregnancy and is available until delivery.
    • It should be re-offered in each pregnancy.
  2. Adults Turning 75 Years Old:
    • All adults will be offered the RSV vaccine starting from their 75th birthday up until their 80th birthday.
  3. Adults Aged 75-80 Years:
    • The vaccine will be available to all adults in this age group.

Prevention in primary care and community services.

  • Transmission can be reduced through standard infection control practices: such as respiratory hygiene, hand washing with soap and warm water, and cleaning of surfaces.
  • Ideally, people with colds should avoid close contact with newborn babies, infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks), children under 2 born with heart or lung conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.
  • Smoking around young children is also a risk factor for severe RSV infection.
  • Sustaining broader support for families in the community needs to be a priority if RSV and broader harms are to be prevented, identified and mitigated.
  • Community-based support can remind parents / signpost to information and support.
  • We advise that professionals supporting children and families should not be redeployed and should be supported to continue to provide services.
  • There should be agreement with the Local Authority commissioner where specific, specialist nurse skills and experience may be required.
  • Where these public health and specialist nurses have specific skills and experience that is required locally individual discussions should take place, and if these individuals are redeployed this should be for shortest possible time.

Information for professionals

Government guidance and support on Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms, transmission, prevention, treatment can be found on this weblink Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): symptoms, transmission, prevention, treatment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Further Government guidance information on Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): guidance, data and analysis can be found on this weblink Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): guidance, data and analysis - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Information for healthcare professionals can be found on this weblink Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) programme: information for healthcare professionals - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Bronchiolitis teaching resources and information

Bronchiolitis Webinar (2 hours)

Hamilton ventilator set up

Oxylog ventilator set up

Babypac ventilator set up

Time to get better Care bundle

Respiratory Education materials

 

 

Information on RSV from PHE

For use in communications with patients and the public.