In our new blog series, we will explore each of the vaccine-preventable diseases in the UK immunisation schedule through the 4T’s Framework – Health Academy’s simple, easy-to-remember approach to understanding a disease. Each post in this series will break down a topic into four essential areas:
- 🔹Type
- 🔹Transmission
- 🔹Threat
- 🔹Treatment & Prevention
In our first instalment, we’ll take a closer look at Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a virus that can pose serious health risks, especially for infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The 4T’s of RSV
RSV is more than just a cold – it can have serious consequences for those most vulnerable 👉 Watch our video below in full to learn more about RSV, how is spreads and what measures can be taken to prevent it.
The 4T’s of RSV – Take Home Message
🔹 Type: RSV is a viral infection that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable groups.
🔹 Transmission: The virus spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces – surviving for up to 24 hours outside the body.
🔹 Threat: Premature babies, infants under one year, children with heart or lung conditions, and older adults are most at risk of severe complications.
🔹 Treatment & Prevention: Most cases can be managed with rest and fluids at home, but severe cases may need hospital care. A vaccine programme was introduced in the UK in 2024 prioritising those most at risk.
Learn More With Health Academy
Visit our Free Resources page, where you can access a range of materials designed to support your learning and professional development. There, you can download our 4T’s of Disease Worksheets, created to help you break down and understand vaccine-preventable diseases using the same simple framework from this blog series.
Use our free worksheets to start learning or expanding on your knowledge today!
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Short Course – Elearning
This RSV short course is part of the ‘Health Academy Short Course’ series and provides clinicians with specific information related to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the RSV vaccines.
This course provides 1 hour of CPD. 
