RSV in Adults in 2026. Symptoms, Who Is at Risk and Who Can Now Have the Vaccine

Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 14 October 2026.

See a doctor today on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.

Key facts about RSV in adults

• RSV usually feels like a heavy cold and settles within 1 to 2 weeks in healthy adults.
• Older adults and people with heart or lung disease are at higher risk of serious illness.
• There is no specific antiviral for most adults, so prevention and early care matter.
• The NHS RSV vaccine is offered to everyone aged 75 and over and to care home residents for older adults.
• From 1 September 2026, people aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory disease or a weakened immune system are also eligible.
• Pregnant women are offered the vaccine from 28 weeks to protect their baby.

What are the symptoms of RSV in adults

A runny or blocked nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, mild fever, headache and tiredness. Many adults assume it is a cold.

In older adults and people with lung or heart conditions, RSV can cause wheezing, shortness of breath and a worsening of their usual condition, and can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms often peak around days 3 to 5.

Who is most at risk

People aged 75 and over, and people of any adult age with chronic lung disease such as COPD or asthma, heart failure or other heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system from illness or treatment.

Care home residents are at particular risk because the virus spreads easily in shared settings.

Babies, especially under 6 months, are most at risk of all, which is why the vaccine is offered in pregnancy.

Ask whether you are at risk on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

How is RSV treated in adults

Most adults recover at home with rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen if suitable. Antibiotics do not treat RSV, which is a virus, although they may be needed if a bacterial chest infection develops.

People with asthma or COPD should follow their action plan, use their inhalers as prescribed and seek help early if their breathing worsens. A doctor will check oxygen levels, listen to the chest and decide whether further treatment or hospital care is needed.

When to see a doctor or call 999

See a doctor if you are in a higher-risk group and become unwell, if you are more breathless or wheezy than usual, if your symptoms are not improving after a week, or if you start to recover and then get worse.

Call 999 for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, confusion or drowsiness. For a baby, call 999 if they are struggling to breathe, pausing in breathing, or too breathless to feed.

Who can have the RSV vaccine on the NHS

People aged 75 and over, including everyone aged 80 and over since 1 April 2026.

Residents of care homes for older adults, whatever their age.

From 1 September 2026, adults aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory disease or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their baby in the first months of life.

The vaccine is given as a single dose. If you are not eligible on the NHS, a doctor can assess whether private vaccination is suitable for you.

What does it cost to see a private doctor about RSV in London

Fees depend on the type of consultation, examination, tests and treatment needed. Confirm the full cost before booking.

Confirm the total consultation fee and any separate prescription, medicine, vaccine or test costs before booking.

• Signature Membership: enquire for current scope, access terms and fees.
• On-site vaccination clinic at your workplace or residence: enquire for scope, availability and fees.
• Home visit £450. Hotel visit £495 daytime or £595 evening. Enquire for additional household members, office, weekend and out-of-area fees.
• Adult vaccination consultation: enquire for assessment, availability and fees, with vaccines quoted separately per course.
• In-person consultation with examination: enquire for scope and fees. Video consultation from £150. Confirm availability and any separate prescription, medicine or test costs.

Appointments are available 7 days a week at our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia, by video, or at home.

Why people choose The Wellness for winter chest infections

Because older relatives can be examined at home, with oxygen levels checked, rather than travelling while unwell.

Because people with asthma, COPD and heart conditions are seen quickly when their breathing changes.

Because vaccination can be planned for the whole family, with an individual assessment.

Because the chest is examined properly, so antibiotics are used when they help and not when they do not.

And because a doctor is available 7 days a week through the winter.

Related reading

Stratus and Cicada COVID variants covers COVID-19 this autumn, flu, COVID or a cold covers telling winter viruses apart, adult vaccinations covers RSV, flu, COVID-19 and shingles vaccines, and a private doctor for elderly parents covers care for older relatives.

Book a same-day appointment on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429.

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of RSV in adults

Usually a runny or blocked nose, cough, sore throat, mild fever and tiredness, like a heavy cold. Older adults and people with lung or heart conditions may become wheezy or breathless.

How long does RSV last in adults

Most healthy adults recover within 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms often peak around days 3 to 5.

Who can get the RSV vaccine on the NHS in 2026

People aged 75 and over, care home residents for older adults, adults aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory disease or a weakened immune system from 1 September 2026, and pregnant women from 28 weeks.

Is there treatment for RSV in adults

Most adults are treated with rest, fluids and simple painkillers. Antibiotics do not treat RSV but may be needed for a bacterial chest infection. People with asthma or COPD should follow their action plan.

When should I see a doctor with RSV

If you are in a higher-risk group, more breathless or wheezy than usual, not improving after a week, or getting worse after starting to recover. Call 999 for severe breathlessness, chest pain or confusion.

How much does a private doctor cost for RSV in London

At The Wellness video consultations start from £150 and home visits cost £450. Enquire for in-person consultation fees and any separate prescription, medicine, vaccine or test costs.

The Wellness is a doctor-led private healthcare group providing medical care from our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and clinical assessment. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.

Enquire now on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.

References

• UKHSA and NHS England, expansion of RSV vaccine eligibility to adults aged 65 to 74 in certain clinical risk groups, July 2026
• Nursing in Practice, RSV vaccine eligibility extended to over 80s and care home residents
• NHS, RSV vaccine
• NHS, respiratory syncytial virus
• UKHSA, national flu and COVID-19 surveillance report, 8 October 2026