Medical experts are urging parents and caregivers to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of RSV to protect their children amidst a surge in the virus.
There are several respiratory illnesses which may affect babies, but most infections only cause mild symptoms. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV ) is a common virus that can cause infection in the lower part of the respiratory system. These are known as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs ). RSV is a major cause of severe respiratory illness among children under two years of age. It is also the most common cause of hospital admissions due to acute respiratory illness in young children, as well as being the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung ) in infants.
A recent survey, commissioned by Sanofi, revealed that almost four out of five (79% ) Irish parents had heard of RSV but surprisingly their overall understanding of the resulting disease was low. When asked how their knowledge of the disease compared with other common childhood illnesses only one in five (22% ) of parents surveyed had a good level of knowledge of RSV in comparison to infections such as the common cold (74% ), influenza (52% ) and pneumonia (38% ).
Approximately 90% of children are infected with RSV by two years of age, with RSV being the leading cause of LRTIs in babies. Passive cigarette smoke, overcrowding, and lack of breastfeeding have been suggested to increase the frequency and severity of RSV infections.
In Ireland, the RSV season is defined by the HSE as starting in October and ending in April. Precautionary steps can also be taken to help protect infants. These include
Frequent, careful hand washing is the most important measure in preventing the spread of RSV
Coughing into your sleeve Keeping symptomatic siblings and other people away.
When asked about preventive measures against RSV nearly three-quarters (74% ) of respondents said that they would ask family members, friends and acquaintances not to touch their child’s hands or faces to prevent the spread of RSV.
The HSE recommends that parents or caregivers contact a GP if they are worried about their baby’s symptoms, or notice that they
Are not feeding normally (they have taken less than half of their usual amount over the previous 24 hours )
Have not had a wet nappy for 12 hours or more
Are breathing very fast
Have a persistent high temperature of 38°C or above despite giving paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
Seem very tired or irritable
If you remain worried about your child
If parents or caregivers are concerned about RSV they should speak to a healthcare professional. Furthermore, the HSE recommends immediately calling 999 for an ambulance if a parent or caregiver notices that
The infant/child has difficulty breathing
If there are long pauses in the child or infant’s breathing.
New information site for parents
Following the survey findings, Sanofi has launched an informative website https://rsv.sanofi.ie/ that provides accurate information about RSV to complement HSE advice. The survey and website form part of a nationwide RSV campaign, Together Against RSV.
