Mum’s warning over RSV virus in young children

Mum’s warning over RSV virus in young children

12 October 2022

AS winter approaches, a local politician and mum of two is appealing to parents to be wary of a huge surge in the so-called Respiratory Syncytial Virus in young children.

Mournes councillor, Laura Devlin, explained respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common single-RNA stranded virus that causes infected cells to fuse together.  She said while it can be a simple cold in adults, the virus can be fatal for babies or the elderly.

Last Christmas, her son Tom ended up in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for two nights due to these respiratory issues. 

His worried mum said she was shocked at how quickly he deteriorated, with her family “beyond grateful” for the care and treatment he received while he was in hospital.

Cllr Devlin said RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children under two and while typically case numbers peak in winter, they have risen over the past 12 months.

She said 22 per cent of children under five who went to a GP with a respiratory infection had RSV which continues to circulate today, with statistics confirming that about 9% of infants with respiratory infections having RSV.

“The virus is associated with the development of a wheeze later in life and there is some evidence suggesting that severe RSV infections in infants may lead to asthma,” said Cllr Devlin.

“Research shows that RSV infection is the most significant cause of hospitalisation in infants and one of the leading global causes of infant mortality.”

The Mournes councillor revealed that in the UK, RSV accounts for approximately 450,000 GP appointments, 29,000 hospitalisations and 83 deaths a year in children and adolescents.

Worryingly, she said there are currently no specific treatments for the virus and management of it is purely supportive with oxygen and feeding support for young children.

“RSV starts with a blocked or runny nose and can progress to a dry cough, fever and sometimes breathing problems,” explained Cllr Devlin.

“For most children, it will be mild and can be treated at home with infant paracetamol or ibuprofen. Parents are advised to call their GP or seek medical advice if their child is not feeding normally, breathing fast or has a high temperature that will not go down.”

She said parents are advised to call 999 if their child is exhausted from trying to breathe or they see the muscles under their child’s ribs sucking in with each breath or they may be pale and sweaty.

Cllr Devlin added: “I hadn’t heard of RSV prior to Tom being admitted to hospital. My advice to parents and families is to be vigilant to these symptoms as we face into a tough winter.”