RSV infections lead to 640,000 antibiotic prescriptions a year

Experts suggest that the new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme, being rolled out in hospitals and community pharmacies, will not
only reduce the burden of RSV infections in England but also contribute to a reduction in antibiotic prescriptions.

While antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, they are sometimes prescribed in primary care because it is difficult to distinguish between bacterial and viral
infections.

A study conducted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London, and Oxford Population Health revealed that RSV infections result in 640,000
antibiotic prescriptions a year.

The study suggests that interventions to reduce RSV infections, including the new vaccine programme, could lower antibiotic use and, in turn, reduce antibiotic
resistance.

RSV typically causes mild respiratory symptoms in most individuals, but it can lead to serious illness and hospitalisation in vulnerable groups, such as infants
and older adults.