Protect against RSV
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, which is an important cause of a type of pneumonia.
It most often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, and infects up to 90% of children during the first 2 years of life, who often become a source of reinfection for older children and adults. However, babies under one year of age, and older adults, can suffer much more serious infection requiring hospitalisation. Frail older adults with pre-existing medical conditions are most vulnerable to complications and death.
The risk of needing hospitalisation increases with age. No anti-viral medication is effective, so only supportive measures can be used for treatment. Accurate figures are not available because not all cases are fully investigated and reported, but there are estimated to be 1,200 deaths in people aged 45 to 74 years and 4,000 deaths in those aged over 75 years in England each winter.
Two new vaccines are now available to prevent infection; Arexvy and Abrysvo. Both are offered at the Fleet Street Clinic, please check for availability since there have been recent supply issues.
Either can be considered by older, frail adults, and people with a significant history of lung disease or previous severe chest infection.
Arexvy, made by GSK, is licensed for people aged over 60.
Abrysvo, made by Pfizer, is licensed for people aged over 60. Additionally, this vaccine is licensed and recommended during pregnancy, from 28 weeks onwards, to protect newborn infants via maternal antibodies.
The NHS has recently announced that it will be offering the RSV vaccine during pregnancy and to individuals aged 75 to 79 – please check your eligibility and for the latest NHS vaccination criteria, since this may be subject to change. The Fleet Street Clinic is not able to provide vaccinations free of charge via the NHS.
What is RSV?
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause severe lung infection, both in children and in adults. Most infections are mild, but small babies and frail older adults are especially vulnerable to severe infection and complications.
An important feature of the infection is that it provokes an inflammatory response that damages lung tissue.
RSV Protection for those aged 60 years and older
Older age groups are vulnerable to more serious consequences of RSV.
We offer a choice of two vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, both licensed for those aged over 60.
RSV vaccination for pregnant women
Vaccinating mothers during the last three months of pregnancy is an important way of ensuring that newborn babies receive protection - via transfer of immunity across the placenta.
Only Abrysvo is licensed for use during pregnancy, and ideally should be given between 28 and 36 weeks.
Testing for RSV with rapid results
Respiratory infections can be almost impossible to distinguish from their symptoms alone. They behave differently and may need different treatment, so it is important to find out exactly what is causing your symptoms..
Did you know, our Respiratory Viral PCR Panel includes tests for 22 respiratory viruses and bacteria, including RSV, all from a single swab?
We do this in our own lab, so can normally give you your results in just over an hour.
Is RSV vaccine suitable for children?
Arexvy and Abrysvo vaccines are licensed for adults aged 60 and over. Additionally, the Abrysvo vaccine is approved for use in pregnant women.
Can you test for RSV?
Yes - RSV is one of the viruses included in our Respiratory Panel PCR test.
This test can give you the answers you need very quickly. Once a sample has been processed, we can tell you with certainty whether your respiratory infection is due to RSV or not.
We’ll tailor treatment to your results, so you should recover quicker too.
How can RSV be treated?
There are no suitable anti-viral drugs for treatment.
This is why prevention with vaccination is so important.
Our Patients Speak for Us
Daz Smith
Excellent service and support throughout my appointment process. Dr Griffiths was very supportive.
Jenny Gibson
We booked, we arrived and we had our vaccines. Everything as expected. What really stood out was the level of medical advice from the nurse giving us our injections. It was explained very clearly to us to the level of protection our vaccine would give. As this was a new vaccine the results of medical trials were also highlighted. There was no push to sell more products, just clear advice on what to avoid and what to do to prepare for our trip to the Far East.
Nay Chadbourne
Have had all my work travel vaccines at FSC and they have always been exemplary. Easy to book appointments, pleasant reception staff (both over email and phone) and appointment times to suit me. Never been kept waiting past my time and quick/easy vaccines done. Highly recommend.
Victoria Boydell
Easy to book appointments. Friendly and helpful receptionists. Becky, the nurse who has given me my Rabies jabs is a delight. I’m happy to have all my vaccines at Fleet Street.
Mark Tebbit
On repeated occasions over the last year, I have received A1 treatment from the Fleet Street Clinic. Short-notice appointments, face to face and on the phone, for emergency conditions and quick prescriptions from excellent doctors have helped me enormously. The Reception Team are also highly professional. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.
P Croft
I went for a covid booster vaccination and my experience was excellent. I arrived 10 minutes early for my appointment, the lady doing it (Lucy) immediately swallowed the last of her doughnut and took me through. She put me at my ease by chatting pleasantly while she prepared things, and then the jab itself was so quick and painless – I literally didn’t feel a thing, including her applying the plaster afterwards! It was a first class experience, all in the delightful setting of the quaint shop in historic Fleet Street.
Charles Lee
Fleet Street were excellent. Saw me at short notice and provided a good diagnosis of my condition. Their prescriptions were on the money because my infected ear began to clear up soon afterwards.
M P
We were grateful for the helpful advice they gave us and the chance to speak to a nurse before we booked our appointment. The nurse we saw was very informative, efficient and kind and the reception staff were friendly and professional.
Ella Nicholls
Recently had some travel vaccines done at Fleet Street Clinic, a very positive experience all round ! Reception team were very polite and helpful as were the nurses who made me feel at ease and offered some very valuable information! Would recommend to anyone looking for somewhere to get travel vaccines :)
Mr Mark Coffer
Dr Cave always delivers a compelling and thorough medical examination whilst retaining a good sense of humour and a reassuring manner. You could do no better than the Fleet Street Clinic for your MOT.
FAQs
The preferred way to protect newborn babies is by prior vaccination of their mothers during the last three months of pregnancy, when antibodies transfer easily across the placenta.
An alternative option is to give newborn babies an injection of “ready made” antibodies after birth – and this is now possible in the form of a monoclonal antibody called nirsevimab (Beyfortus).
Nirsevimab is not currently available at the Fleet Street Clinic.
Yes, other respiratory vaccines, including the flu jab, can be given at the same time.
RSV infection causes symptoms similar to a cold, including:
- tiredness,
- a runny nose or blocked nose,
- cough,
- sneezing or nasal congestion,
- and sometimes fever.
Ear infections and croup (a barking cough caused by inflammation of the upper airways) can also occur in children.
Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual.
If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause:
- a cough that gets worse
- shortness of breath
- faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
- noisy breathing (wheezing)
- confusion (in older adults)
