Health experts have said the UK may soon experience a rise in cases of a common virus known to affect infants and older adults, following a surge in Australia during their winter months.

Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Australia have recently reached record levels, raising concerns that the virus could spread more widely in the UK in the coming months.

Australia’s winter season often serves as an indicator for how certain viruses may behave in the UK. NHS officials have noted a gradual rise in RSV infections across England since the beginning of 2025.

RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as coughs and runny noses. However, some people, especially babies and older adults, are more likely to experience severe illness from the virus.

In infants, it can lead to bronchiolitis, a chest infection that sometimes requires hospital treatment. For older adults, particularly those over 75, the virus can also cause serious breathing problems.

The NHS Is encouraging pregnant women to take up the RSV vaccine to help protect their babies from birth. This recommendation comes as RSV continues to be one of the leading causes of infant death and a major reason for hospitalisation among children.

Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: “While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation.

“Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating.”

Pregnant women can receive the vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy through their maternity care providers or GP surgeries.

Older adults aged 75 to 79 are also eligible for the vaccine, and NHS England plans to send out reminders via letter, text, email or the NHS App to over one million people in that age group.

Recent findings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that the vaccine can prevent 72% of hospital admissions in babies when their mothers are vaccinated more than two weeks before delivery.

The vaccine is also estimated to be 82% effective in preventing hospital admissions related to RSV among older adults.

Each year, RSV leads to thousands of hospital admissions in England. Last winter, nearly 7,000 hospital bed days were taken up by children affected by the virus. RSV remains a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide and continues to strain healthcare services, especially during the colder months.

Vaccinations for flu and whooping cough are also routinely recommended for pregnant women to protect both mother and baby. In addition, about 100 community pharmacies in the East of England and the Midlands have begun offering the RSV vaccine, and NHS England plans to increase the number of participating pharmacies to improve access in underserved areas.

Many of these pharmacies will also provide the whooping cough vaccine to eligible pregnant women. This is intended to improve vaccine uptake and reduce pressure on GP appointments.

To further support vulnerable infants, NHS England will also begin rolling out nirsevimab, a one-time injection that offers protection against RSV, from late September.

This will be available to very preterm and high-risk babies who are too young to benefit from the maternal vaccine.

The NHS Is urging anyone eligible to speak with their healthcare provider about the available options for protection against RSV before winter approaches. (Nigerian Tribune)