Official data shows that the number of children hospitalized with deadly viruses has increased in the past week.
The cause of death in thousands of children under five years old is respiratory syncytialvirus (RSV).
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Data from the UK Health Security Agency has shown that there have been an increase in cases and that hospitalisations for children under five have increased.
Consultant epidemiologist for UKHSA Dr Conall Watson said that the increase in hospitalisations and cases at this time of the year is to be expected.
“For children under two, RSV can be severe – particularly for babies and those born prematurely,”He said.
RSV infections increased 8.3% over the week ending October 30. The highest rates were in the 5 and under age group at 29.3 percent.
The UKHSA data also shows visits to A&E for bronchiolitis (an infection commonly caused by RSV) in the under 1s have also increased.
Hospitalisations for RSV among the under-5s have been higher than any other age group, with 16 or more children admitted to treatment for the disease.
It happens as other bugs like flu are on the rise, and the latest wave Covid cases seems to be subsiding.
Experts believe that Covid lockdowns could have led to some children not being immune to flu and RSV.
The “stay at home” directive prevented common bugs from spreading as normal. Many children and adults are now immune.
Dr Watson stated that RSV and flu cases are on the rise so it is important to remember to practice basic hygiene to prevent infection.
“Actions like using tissues and handwashing can reduce spread to the most vulnerable,”He said.
“If you are ill, do not visit babies. If your infant experiences unusual breathing, difficulty feeding or has symptoms of colds, please call 111.
“If your child seems seriously unwell, trust your judgement and get emergency care.”
SYMPTOM-CHECKER
RSV is a common viral infection that can affect children before their second birthday. It usually causes nothing more than a simple cold.
RSV can cause serious complications in some cases. This includes bronchiolitis (inflammation or obstruction of the small airways) and pneumonia. These can be life-threatening.
RSV can cause symptoms similar to a cold, such as a headache and a runny or stuffy nose. This can last anywhere from one to two days.
You should call your GP if you notice any of the following symptoms. If your child is very ill, dial 999.
These are the five signs to look out for:
- Trouble breathing
- Cough producing yellow, green, or grey mucus
- Unusually, upset or inactive
- Refuses to breastfeed or bottle-feed
- Signs of dehydration – lack of tears when crying, little or no urine in the nappy for six hours, and cool, dry skin.
If your baby is very tired, breathes rapidly, or has a blue tint to the lips or fingernails, get medical attention immediately.
RISK FACTORS
Professor Harish Nair, Chair of Paediatric Illness Diseases and Global Health at Edinburgh University, previously stated that parents can help their kids by encouraging handwashing and disinfecting toys and surfaces.
Prof Nair, who is involved in Sanofi’sTogether Against RSVcampaign added: “Cold and damp homes can predispose infants to a number of respiratory illnesses, such as wheezing, asthma, bronchiolitis and pneumonia including those due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“With the cost of living increasing and many families likely to find it difficult to heat their homes this winter, children’s vulnerability to illness could be increased and this could impact the number of RSV cases significantly bringing extra strain on the NHS.
“RSV” is a common childhood infection. While most cases are not serious, there are some severe cases that require hospitalization.
“It’s essential parents understand what RSV is and how to protect their children against it.”
FLU IS UP
UKHSA reports that flu cases are on the rise in younger age group.
The rates are highest for people between 15 and 44 years old, with 13.4% of laboratory samples coming from this age group being positive.
The rates are second highest for those aged 5-14 years old, with 10.4 percent of the samples tested positive.
The UKHSA reported that flu admissions to hospitals decreased during the week, with the highest rates in the 85-year-old and older age groups.
Hospital admissions to Covid-19 also declined, but they were the highest for those 85 years and older.
Flu levels overall are still low. It is therefore difficult to predict how large the wave of infection will be.
This year, around 33 million people can receive a flu vaccine free of charge in England. This includes everyone over 50, as well as all primary- and secondary-age children.
The vaccine is being offered to pregnant and nursing women, to people living in care homes, to frontline health and social service staff, to carers, to people aged six to 49 who have a particular health condition, and to household contacts of people with weakened immune system.
All children aged two or three years old are eligible to receive a flu nasal spray vaccination. This will be provided by their local doctor.