Why You Should Get a Whooping Cough Vaccine
Infants or young children are particularly vulnerable to whooping cough, making vaccinations an essential preventative measure.
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What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing infections ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to more severe respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Commonly impacting infants and young children, as well as older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
RSV spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus often leads to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, fever, and difficulty breathing. While most cases of RSV resolve on their own, severe infections may require medical attention. Prevention measures include practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and vaccination.
How Much Does the HPV Vaccination Cost and Who Can Have It?
Available for adults 60 years of age or older
Vaccination consists of a single dose, administered intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm
£220/single dose
Is the RSV Vaccine Effective?
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OVER 82% EFFECTIVE in preventing lung and lower airway infection from RSV in people aged 60 years and older
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OVER 94% EFFECTIVE in preventing lung and lower airway infection from RSV in people aged 60 years and older with asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart failure, advanced liver or kidney disease, or any chronic respiratory or pulmonary disease.
PREMIER RSV VACCINATION CLINIC OXFORD
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We provide a walk-in service, subject to appointment availability, for our professional service. Nevertheless, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment in advance to ensure timely and efficient service
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can affect individuals of all ages. However, it is a particular concern for infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. RSV is a leading cause of respiratory infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in young children.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can also survive on surfaces for several hours. RSV infections often occur in seasonal outbreaks, typically during autumn and winter.
Symptoms of RSV can range from mild, cold-like symptoms to more severe respiratory distress. Common signs include coughing, sneezing, fever, and difficulty breathing. While most cases of RSV are mild and resolve on their own, severe infections may require medical attention, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Preventive measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and vaccination.
How can you contract RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is highly contagious and can be contracted through close, direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The following are common ways people can contract RSV:
1. Direct Contact: Coming into close contact with an infected person, especially if you touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth) after contact.
2. Airborne Transmission: Inhaling respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
3. Contaminated Surfaces: Touching surfaces or objects that have RSV on them and then touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Crowded Settings: Being in crowded places, especially during RSV season (typically autumn and winter), where the virus can easily spread from person to person.
5. Childcare Centres and Schools: RSV can spread rapidly among young children in childcare settings or schools due to close contact and shared surfaces.
6. Poor Hand Hygiene: Not washing hands frequently, especially after being in close contact with someone who is sick or after touching surfaces in public places.
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of contracting RSV include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and disinfecting commonly-touched surfaces. Additionally, in some cases, vaccination may be recommended, particularly for high-risk populations such as infants and older adults.
How is RSV treated?
Treatment for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is typically supportive, as there is no specific antiviral medication for RSV infections. Most cases of RSV are mild and resolve on their own, especially in healthy individuals. The following are common approaches to managing RSV:
1. Home Care:
Adequate rest and sleep to help the body recover.
Maintaining hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
Using a humidifier to ease breathing.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications:
Over-the-counter medications may be used to alleviate symptoms, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort.
Cough medications may be recommended in some cases.
3. Hospitalisation:
In severe cases, especially for infants, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems, hospitalisation may be necessary.
Hospital care may involve intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and oxygen therapy to assist with breathing.
4. Antiviral Medications:
In certain high-risk cases, particularly for individuals with severe RSV infections, healthcare providers may consider the use of antiviral medications. However, these medications are not routinely recommended and may have side effects.
It's essential for individuals with symptoms of RSV, or those caring for someone with RSV, to seek medical advice. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on appropriate care based on the severity of symptoms and individual health factors. In some cases, particularly for severe infections, hospitalisation and specialised medical care may be necessary.
How to prevent RSV
Preventing Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) involves taking measures to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission. Here are some strategies to help prevent RSV:
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in close contact with someone who is sick or in public places. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid Close Contact: Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick, and encourage others to stay away if they are unwell. Limit close contact, such as hugging and kissing, with infants during RSV season if you are feeling unwell.
Respiratory Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
Clean and Disinfect: Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, especially in places where there are infants or vulnerable individuals.
Stay Home When Sick: If you are sick, especially with respiratory symptoms, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Good Respiratory Practices: Teach and encourage children to practice good respiratory hygiene, including proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
Vaccination: For certain high-risk populations, especially infants born prematurely or those with underlying health conditions, vaccination may be recommended.
Avoid Crowded Places: Limit exposure to crowded places, especially during peak RSV season (typically autumn and winter).
It's important to note that while there is no specific vaccine available for the general population to prevent RSV, preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Individuals with specific health concerns or those caring for individuals at higher risk for severe RSV should consult with healthcare professionals for personalised guidance.
What Our Clients Say
Excellent service. Took time to explain everything and provide additional information for self care. Really pleased with the service. Thank you.
Candy Woodington
This is an exceptional pharmacy. They treat every customer with the same degree of care and respect. Staff are patient, friendly and professional
Elizabeth Cooper
The team in Wheatley Pharmacy is very helpful and Pharmacists are very knowledgeable. Very grateful for the service they provide.
Jasjit Singh
PREMIER VACCINATION CLINIC OXFORD
About Wheatley Pharmacy
Where are we located?
As Oxford’s premier Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we are conveniently located just minutes away from the A40 for ease of access. With one of the largest patient bases in Oxford, we are committed to delivering top-notch healthcare services and travel vaccinations. Our centre takes pride in offering ample on-site parking for 36 cars, inclusive of dedicated spaces for individuals with disabilities. Contact us today.
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
Saturday
​Sunday
8:30 am – 6:30 pm
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Closed
Address
Wheatley Pharmacy, Morland Close, Wheatley, Oxford, OX33 1DP
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