There has been a surge in cases of a deadly virus with more babies admitted to hospital, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the three bugs the NHS fears could create a ‘tripledemic’ this winter, alongside Covid and the flu.
RSV can cause a serious chest infection and inflammation called bronchiolitis. The symptoms in children start like a cold with a slightly raised temperature, and can quickly progress to wheezing and rapid breathing.
Dr Conall Watson, epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “We are beginning to see cases of RSV increasing, as well as emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis, caused by RSV.”
Pregnant women are being invited to get a vaccine to protect their unborn babies. If your child has symptoms you think could be RSV, or if they are struggling to breathe, are struggling to stay awake or have a bluish tint to their skin, tongue or lips you should call 999. Look for your child ‘grunting’ or sucking their stomach under their ribs when they breathe.
Parents should call their GP or 111 if their child has a cold that is getting worse, they are eating much less than normal, their nappy has been dry for more than 12 hours, they feel hotter than usual or they are acting very tired or irritable.
Older people are also being offered the RSV vaccine.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said cases of infections are inspected to increase – including Covid and flu, adding: “We expect viral respiratory infections to increase as the season progresses, so don’t wait for it to hit your household, get vaccinated and make sure you are protected this winter.”
Dr Lopez Bernal added: “Our current surveillance shows that around one in 10 sequenced Covid cases are the ‘XEC’ lineage however information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant. We are monitoring this closely and vaccination still offers the best protection.
“If you are showing symptoms of flu or Covid-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.”