‘WE’RE SEEING A RISE IN INFECTIONS’

Parents warned over spread of respiratory viruses in kids

HEALTH chiefs are urging parents to take extra care during the festive season to combat the spread of respiratory viruses among children.

North Staffordshire is already seeing an increase in respiratory syncytial virus – mild, cold-like symptons – in children.

It can cause a cough or cold – but in young children, it can lead to bronchiolitis.

Which in turn, can lead to more serious respiratory problems in very young children with health conditions or complex medical needs.

Dr Steve Fawcett, left, medical director for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-trent CCGS, said: “RSV is spread through tiny droplets of liquid from the coughs or sneezes of someone who’s infected.

“Around one in three children in the UK will develop bronchiolitis during their first year of life. Babies born during the Covid-19 lockdowns have not had a chance to build a strong immunity because of social distancing, and we are seeing a rise in RSV infections in children.”

He revealed that there were a number of measures that parents can take to reduce the risk of children catching bronchiolitis.

They include:

■ Make sure to wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently;

■ Wash or wipe toys and surfaces regularly:

■ Keep infected children at home until their symptoms have improved;

■ And keep newborn babies away from people with colds or flu.”

Katie Spence, regional deputy director for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in the West Midlands, said: “This winter, we expect levels of common seasonal illnesses such as cold and flu to increase as people mix more, and given that fewer people will have built up natural immunity during the pandemic.

“Children under the age of two are at a particular risk of severe infections from common seasonal illnesses. If a child under two is suffering from a cold, keep a close eye on their symptoms and make sure to contact your doctor if they get a high temperature, become breathless, or have difficulty feeding.

“It’s important that we carry on with good hygiene habits that we’ve become used to during the pandemic, in order to protect ourselves and those around us.”

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are like those of a common cold, such as a runny nose and a cough. This may then develop into a slight high temperature (fever), a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, or rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing).

If your child has any of these symptoms, or you are concerned, it is important you contact your GP or NHS 111 to get advice.