PARENTS have been warned to watch out for two key symptoms of a nasty winter bug in kids.

Respiratory syncytial virus generally causes mild, cold-like symptoms with most people recovering within a few weeks.

It usually hits in the colder months, and is a standard part of the winter germs.

RSV is a very common virus and almost all children are infected with it by the time they are two years old.

But for young children and more vulnerable adults it can be more serious, so it's worth knowing the signs.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist for the UK Health Security Agency, said: “RSV is usually a winter virus, but after an unseasonal peak in August 2021, RSV hospitalisation rates are currently below usual levels for this time of year.

“For most people RSV means a common cold, but it is easily spread and is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants – inflammation of small airways in the lungs.

"Most cases clear up without treatment but it can lead to hospital admissions in babies and young children, including intensive care.

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"If a child under 2 has a cold, monitor their symptoms for signs like breathlessness or reduced feeding and if you are concerned, speak to your GP or NHS 111.”

Immunity among children, and adults, to various bugs is low as last winter the UK was largely in lockdown.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, previously said: “This winter, we expect levels of common seasonal illnesses such as cold and flu to increase as people mix more and given that fewer people will have built up natural immunity during the pandemic.

“It’s important that we carry on with good hygiene habits that we’ve become used to during the pandemic, in order to protect ourselves and those around us.

“This 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 feel unwell.”

In some cases, RSV can become life threatening. Some children under two, especially those born prematurely or with a heart condition, can suffer more serious consequences.

KNOW THE SIGNS

RSV can develop into bronchiolitis, an inflammatory infection of the lower airways which can make it hard to breathe.

Other risk factors for bronchiolitis are not being breastfed, being exposed to a smoker and having siblings at school.

Bronchiolitis usually clears up on it’s own after around two weeks, and you can care for your child at home the same way as you would if they had a cold. 

But up to three per cent of babies who develop bronchiolitis during the first year of life will need to be admitted to hospital.

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold but can develop over a few days into a high temperature of 37.8C or above (fever), a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing).

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