Respiratory virus warning for parents

A Welsh board’s calling on parents to watch for signs of a potentially serious respiratory virus that’s circulating among children and toddlers.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is circulating amongst children and toddlers in the Hywel Dda area (Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire)

Higher numbers

Hywel Dda UHB Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Dr Philip Kloer said:

“Because of the COVID restrictions, there have been few cases of RSV during the pandemic, but this virus has returned and in higher numbers now people are mixing more.

“RSV is a common respiratory illness which is usually picked up by children during the winter season, and causes very few problems to the majority of children. However, very young babies, particularly those born prematurely, and children with heart or lung conditions, can be seriously affected and it’s important that parents are aware of the actions to take.”

Symptoms in severe cases

Parents are being encouraged to look out for symptoms of severe infection in at-risk children, including:

*a high temperature of 37.8°C or above (fever)

*a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing).

The best way to prevent RSV is to wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser regularly, dispose of used tissues correctly, and to keep surfaces clean and sanitised.

Most cases of bronchiolitis are not serious and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks, but you should contact your GP or call NHS 111 if:

You are worried about your child.

Your child has taken less than half their usual amount during the last two or three feeds, or they have had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more.

• Your child has a persistent high temperature of 37.8C or above.

• Your child seems very tired or irritable.

Dial 999 for an ambulance if:

• your baby is having difficulty breathing

• your baby's tongue or lips are blue

• there are long pauses in your baby's breathing