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

Parents are being urged to be aware of the signs of a potentially dangerous respiratory virus in young children amid a sharp rise in people with flu being admitted to hospital.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) often causes only mild illness like a cold but, for some babies, it leads to more severe lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia with a resurgence being experienced since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in all infants worldwide, affecting 90% of children before the age of two.

It is estimated that around 30,000 babies and children under five are admitted to hospitals in the UK every year due to RSV.

The NHS in England is under severe pressure as its heads into what is expected to be the health service's "most challenging winter yet", as new figures show a record number of vacancies and long ambulance wait times.

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

RSV is a very common virus and almost all children are infected with it by the time they are two years old. In older children and adults, RSV may cause a cough or cold.

Some children under two, especially those born prematurely or with a heart condition, can become more seriously ill, with conditions such as bronchiolitis, an inflammatory infection of the lower airways, which can make it hard to breath.

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

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

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

Is there a vaccine available against the virus?

A new antibody jab is being trailed in a multi-national study.

As part of a study called Harmonie, which will involve 20,000 infants across the UK, France and Germany, SCAS paramedics will be visiting families across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire to give the jab to babies under 12 months old.

The trial is a collaboration between Sanofi, its partner AstraZeneca and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and will run until March next year.