Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases increase in children

Health experts are urging parents and carers to be aware of the signs of respiratory illnesses in children, with cases on the rise and further increases expected as temperatures drop.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes coughs and colds in winter, and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (a common chest infection) in children under two.

Dr Shelley Segal, Clinical Director for the Children's Hospital at OUH, said: "We are currently seeing a high number of children with RSV in our hospitals, especially in our Children's Emergency Department.

"Respiratory illnesses in children are very common, especially in winter. These illnesses spread easily in school surroundings where children are close together.

"We understand that respiratory illnesses in children can be very concerning for families, especially if this is the first time they have experienced it. For the majority of children, however, these illnesses will not be serious and care can be provided at home with simple measures such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and fluids to help relieve symptoms."

Common symptoms of bronchiolitis are runny nose, a wet cough, and a mild increase in temperature. It may cause a reduction in appetite and more noticeable effort in breathing.

Most cases of bronchiolitis resolve without requiring medical input and are not serious, but parents should contact their GP for an urgent appointment or contact NHS 111 if their child:

• is breathing with effort that is getting worse, with quicker or deeper breathing 
• is feeding or eating much less than normal
• has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
• is under one month and has a temperature of 38 C, or is older than one month and has a temperature of 38.5 C or higher on two temperature readings 
• is very tired or irritable despite Calpol being given.

Parents and carers are advised to dial 999 for an ambulance or attend an Emergency Department if:

• there are pauses or grunting when their child breathes
• their child's skin, tongue, or lips are blue
• their child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.

There are simple steps you can take to reduce the spread of all viruses: use tissues to catch coughs or sneezes, bin the used tissues as soon as possible, and wash your hands with soap and warm water to kill the germs.

Children with flu or bronchiolitis symptoms should stay home and reduce contacts where possible, especially around more vulnerable people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Dr Segal added: "Cases of respiratory viruses in our hospitals and in the community remain high. We would ask all patients and visitors to adhere to our safety measures - including mask wearing, good hand hygiene, and not visiting patients if they're unwell - to keep our patients, staff, and of course themselves safe."

Pregnant women are encouraged to get the RSV vaccine to protect themselves and their unborn children:

Pregnant women urged to get vaccinations

Find out more about the symptoms of bronchiolitis and what to do on the NHS website:

Bronchiolitis - NHS

More information on children’s health in general is on the Healthier Together website:

Oxfordshire Healthier Together