The common symptoms of RSV in your child - and the warning signs to look out for
26.09.2023 - 16:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As the weather begins to get cooler there will again likely be a rise in respiratory viruses - including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus, which is a common childhood illness, usually spreads in the UK each year from October and last for around five months - with infections peaking in December.
While the virus only causes a mild respiratory illness for most people - there are some warning signs to look out for as it can lead to severe respiratory disease. The virus is usually responsible for 20,000 hospital admissions in under-ones every year, and children generally cope better with the virus as they get older.
Common symptoms of RSV are similar to a cold and include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, cough, and sometimes fever. Ear infections and croup (a barking cough caused by inflammation of the upper airways) can also occur in children.
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RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis, an infection of the small airways in the lung, in babies and infants which make breathing harder and cause difficulty feeding.
Erika Radford, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: "RSV it is a common virus, and most of the time the symptoms are very mild and can be managed at home,” says Radford.
“Like most other colds and viruses, RSV starts with a blocked or runny nose and can progress to cause a cough, fever and sometimes breathing difficulties. The good news is that for most children it will clear in a few days and children can be looked after at home.
“However, some children do develop more severe symptoms. RSV can sometimes lead to