Parents are being warned to watch out for certain symptoms as children are falling ill with a deadly virus.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is on the rise and new data revealed the number of children in hospital with the illness has surged in the last week. Medics confirmed that RSV has already caused the death of thousands of youngsters under the age of five.
Infections increased by 8.3% in the week ending October 30 as experts fear some young children may not have built up any immunity to bugs like RSV and flu. The UK Health Security Agency says not only have cases risen sharply, but hospitalisations have also soared, reported The Mirror.
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RSV usually has cold-like symptoms and normally accounts for 20,000 hospital admissions in under-ones in the UK. It is said to be easy to treat, but without medical intervention it can become more serious.
Consultant epidemiologist, Dr Conall Watson, said: "Children aged two to three may have little natural immunity and can become severely ill. That is why we are urging parents to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. It is also important that schoolchildren get vaccinated as it not only protects them but also reduces the spread of flu."
Dr Watson also told the Times : "For children under two, RSV can be severe - particularly for babies and those born prematurely."
The NHS said: "Symptoms of RSV infection in children include temperature, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, laboured breathing, and reduced feeding.
"You should book an appointment to see your GP especially if your child has these symptoms suggestive of Bronchiolitis; wheezing, laboured breathing and reduced feeding. Your doctor will assess your child and decide if referral to the hospital paediatrician is necessary."
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