Hello! Welcome to the online home of RSV Awareness.

 This website and our Non-profit Organisation is a Memorial to our son Alexander who suddenly died from RSV.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children, however this is not well known!

In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of being ill. But for some babies RSV infections can lead to much more serious outcomes.

RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes. It also can live on surfaces (such as worktops or doorknobs) and on hands and clothing, so can be easily spread when a person touches something contaminated.

RSV can spread rapidly through schools and nurseries. Babies often get it when older children carry the virus home from school and pass it to them. Almost all children are infected with RSV at least once by the time they are 2 years old.

RSV infections often occur in epidemics that tend to last in the United Kingdom from October through to early spring, but is around all year. RSV causes respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pnuemonia.

Because RSV can be easily spread by touching infected people or surfaces, frequent hand washing is key in preventing its transmission. Try to wash your hands after having any contact with someone who has cold symptoms.

Most cases of RSV are mild and require no specific treatment from doctors. Antibiotics are not used because RSV is a virus and antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Medication may sometimes be given to help open airways.

In an infant, however, an RSV infection can be more serious and may require hospitalisation so that the baby can be watched closely, receive fluids, and, if necessary, be treated for breathing problems.