How to spot RSV symptoms and simple steps to protect yourself against the virus

With this winter's influx of viruses, it's more important than ever to know how to protect yourself from infection. From washing your hands to getting vaccinated where you're eligible, there are ways we can keep ourselves safe from catching the array of winter bugs that are currently doing the rounds in the UK.With this in mind, health officials are urging older adults to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.The NHS states that there were over 1,000 RSV cases in adults aged 75 and over last year in Scotland.

And if you're 75 years old or over on July 31, you’ll be offered the RSV vaccine this year. This includes if your 75th birthday is on July 31.NHS England also announced on Monday that more than one million adults in England, aged between 75 and 79, or those who turned 80 after September 1, will be invited to receive the RSV jab over the next few days.“RSV is not just a winter illness,” said Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England. “We see cases increase in winter, but it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated – which is why we are now working hard to reach anyone who hasn’t yet been jabbed and urging them to book an appointment.”RSV often starts like a common cold.

But it can develop into more serious respiratory issues, especially in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

But how can you protect yourself and others from infection? Here's everything you need to know about RSV.“RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways,” says Dr Chun Tang, GP at