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Real RSV Stories

This hub is for the UK general public and is part of the Together Against RSV disease awareness initiative, created and funded by Sanofi.

RSV can be stressful for parents, particularly new parents, as many have never heard of the virus and therefore don't know what to do if their child starts showing symptoms. On this page, we have true RSV stories from real parents, sharing their real-life experiences.

The Together Against RSV parent survey, commissioned and funded by Sanofi, shows that RSV-related illnesses in infants can have a significant impact on the lives of parents and caregivers.1

It is important to remember that although most cases of RSV infection in babies are mild and clear up on their own within a few weeks, some can be more serious2, such as some of the stories below.

This page is dedicated to parents willing to share personal stories of their experience with their child's RSV infection. This is meant to help provide information on what to look out for and what steps to take if you notice symptoms in your baby.

Real RSV Stories

Real stories from real parents who have experienced RSV first hand with their children.

These parents agreed to share their experience to help you and others know what to be aware of in case your child gets RSV.

Newborn baby lying on its back in a hospital crib, connected to medical monitoring equipment, with a sensor on its chest and wires leading to a monitor. The baby appears to be crying, and there are baby clothes nearby. The environment suggests a hospital setting with a focus on infant care.

Jess, Worcester

“Breathing is such a vital thing. It was absolutely terrifying to see her struggling to get her breath. That worry stays with you. It was a really scary time.”

Read Jess's Story
 A sleeping infant snugly wrapped in a beige ribbed sleep sack, wearing a patterned onesie. The baby has a small adhesive nasal strip on its nose and is lying comfortably on a white pillow, with a blue blanket and a plush toy beside them. The environment suggests a hospital setting with a focus on infant care.

Carrie-Anne, North England

“Don't expect to see all the symptoms. You don't need to tick them all off for it to be RSV.”

Read Carrie's Story
 A family selfie featuring two adults and a young child outdoors. The man on the left, wearing a flat cap and beard, is smiling at the camera. The child in the middle is wearing a blue hooded jacket and has a joyful expression. The woman on the right, with a red jacket and smiling, is looking at the camera. They seem to be standing in front of a farm or industrial setting, as evidenced by the equipment in the background.

Lorna, Southampton

“What I've learnt is go with your gut, your gut instinct is always right.”

Read Lorna's Story

References

  1. Adelphi Research Survey Commissioned by Sanofi, July 2021. Sanofi Data on File
  2. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Overview. Retrieved February 2024, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098