A GP has told how RSV symptoms can be “easily mistaken” for a cold – and revealed when it’s time to call an ambulance for your baby.
With the peak season for Respiratory Syncytial Virus hitting in December and January, parents and caregivers are being urged to become more familiar with the symptoms.
RSV is a viral infection that affects the lower respiratory tract, which includes the lungs and airways.
And a recent survey commissioned by Sanofi, which surveyed 500 parents of young children in Ireland, found that only 49 per cent of them feel confident they know how to spot the symptoms of RSV.
This shows that half of parents may not be fully aware of the signs of the virus, which could lead to delayed action if their child gets sick.
Despite the high incidence of RSV in young children, only 51 per cent of parents in the survey reported having heard of the virus and its potential risks.
And alarmingly, 19 per cent of parents had never heard of RSV at all.
In babies and young children RSV can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis – making it one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections.
The infection is typically spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, but it can also spread by close physical contact with an infected person.
The virus is most common in the winter months, from October through early spring, with the highest rates of infection usually reported in December and January.
According to Dr. Máire Finn, a GP at Ennis Centric Health, parents should always be on the lookout for signs in their children.
She said: “Most RSV infections in babies are mild and will clear up within a few weeks – however, some cases can be more serious and may require hospitalisation.
“RSV can initially present with symptoms that might easily be mistaken for a common cold, such as fever, sniffles, wheezing, reduced appetite, or even ear infections.
If symptoms progress to include changes in feeding habits, prolonged periods without wet nappies, rapid breathing, persistent high fever despite medication, or uncharacteristic fussiness, it’s best to consult your GP.”
At the onset, RSV symptoms may resemble a cold, making it hard for parents to tell whether the illness is just a mild infection or something more serious.
Symptoms of the virus
Typical early signs of RSV infection include a persistent cough, a sore throat, lack of appetite, a runny nose, along with a fever of 38C or higher.
The HSE recommends a number of precautionary measures to help protect children, especially infants, from RSV.
Parents should keep their child home from school, childcare, or other activities if they’re too unwell to attend.
Good hygiene practices are essential to controlling the spread of RSV and It’s important to ensure that children wash their hands regularly to reduce the spread of the virus.
Parents should always carry tissues to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and if a tissue isn’t available, it’s recommended to cough or sneeze into the bend of the elbow.
If parents or caregivers are concerned about their baby’s symptoms, the HSE advises contacting a GP, particularly if they notice a few specific signs.
If a baby is having trouble breastfeeding, is refusing to feed, or has had fewer than 3 to 4 wet nappies in a 24-hour period, this should be addressed by a healthcare professional.
Parents should also seek medical attention if their baby’s temperature remains high despite treatment or if they notice signs of dehydration or lethargy.
Red flags to watch out for
There are several red flags that may indicate the need for more urgent medical care.
If a baby has difficulty breathing to the point where their nostrils flare, their ribs are pulling in, or their skin appears pale and sweaty, this may indicate serious respiratory distress.
Similarly, if a baby’s lips or tongue turn blue, it’s a clear sign that immediate medical attention is needed.
If a child’s breathing becomes excessively rapid, with over 60 breaths per minute, or if they seem unusually irritable and fatigued, parents should take immediate action.
Long pauses in breathing (more than 10 seconds) or irregular breathing patterns should also prompt parents to seek urgent care.
The HSE also advises that parents should contact emergency services if their child shows signs of distress that suggest they are in a life-threatening situation.
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