What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus as cases of RSV increase in children?

There has been an increase in the number of young children with respiratory disease as health officials warn parents to be aware of signs of infection.

Positive respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) samples have fallen from 1.2% to 8.9% in the past five weeks, according to Public Health England (PHE) monitoring.

RSV is a very common virus and PHE has said that for the majority of children the disease will not be severe and they will recover after plenty of rest and fluids.

The off-season increase in infections is due to the fact that there were far fewer infections among young people last winter, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Health chiefs have said that means many will not have developed immunity, so there could be more cases this year than in a typical season.

Although the numbers are still low, respiratory infections in young children are expected to increase. Officials say the NHS is bracing for an increase in the number of children in need of treatment.

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

RSV is a very common virus and almost all children get it before the age of two. In older children and adults, RSV can cause a cough or cold.

Some children under the age of two, especially those born prematurely or with heart disease, can become more seriously ill, with conditions such as bronchiolitis, an inflammatory infection of the lower respiratory tract, which can make it difficult to breathe.

The first symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold, but can progress over a few days to a high fever of 37.8 ° C or higher, a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding or rapid breathing. or noisy (wheezing).

Parents are advised to contact their GP or call NHS 111 if they notice any symptoms.

If their baby has difficulty breathing, if there are long pauses in their breathing, or if their tongue or lips are blue, parents should call 999.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director of PHE, said: “This winter we expect the levels of common seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu to increase as people mix more and given that less. people will have developed natural immunity during the pandemic.

“Children under the age of two are particularly vulnerable to serious infections from common seasonal illnesses.

“If a child under two has a cold, watch their symptoms closely and be sure to contact your doctor if they have a high temperature, are short of breath, or have difficulty feeding.

“It is important that we continue with the good hygiene habits that we have become accustomed to during the pandemic, in order to protect ourselves and those around us.

“It means washing your hands regularly, using a tissue to catch coughs or sneezes and washing your hands afterwards, and staying away from others if you are not feeling well.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “I remember long nights in hospital when my eight week old daughter battled RSV.

“The image of her little body plugged into these machines and out of breath will not leave me. I wouldn’t wish those moments on anyone.

“I urge all parents and guardians to be alert for the signs of RSV, especially in young children. It’s a nasty bug, so be careful.