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The NHS in Sussex is encouraging parents and caregivers to look out for symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in young children, as cases are expected to increase over winter months.

RSV is often prevalent amongst young people during this time of year, and spreads easily via coughs and sneezes. Almost all children have had it by the time they are two-years old. In older children and adults, RSV may cause a cough or cold, but in young children it can cause bronchiolitis.

If the virus does cause bronchiolitis – a lower respiratory tract infection that in some cases can prove severe, especially for those under the age of two – it is best to know the signs and symptoms, and when you should seek further advice.

Children infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms include:

A runny nose
Decreased appetite
Coughing
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing

These symptoms usually appear in stages, and not all at once. In very young infants with the virus, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday and most cases will clear up within a week or two.

Call your GP practice or NHS 111 if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.

Theo was just nine months old when he was diagnosed with bronchiolitis. Mum Helen, from Cooksbridge in East Sussex, recalled:

NHS Sussex calls on parents to know the signs and symptoms of RSV