What is the RSV virus? Warning over winter illness running 'rife' in children

Parents are being urged to look out for the signs of a winter illness - amid reports of the virus running 'rife' among children.

There has been a surge in cases of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) this month - which can lead to children having breathing difficulties.

Bosses at the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust are now warning that cases are higher than usual for this time of year.

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RSV is a common seasonal winter virus which causes colds and coughs. But it can be more severe in children and in some cases can lead to bronchiolitis - an inflammatory infection of the lower airways which can make it hard to breathe.

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold but can develop over a few days into a high temperature, a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding and wheezing.

While many cases clear up in two to three weeks, a number of children need hospital admission.

What are the symptoms of bronchiolitis?

According to the NHS, there are six common symptoms of bronchiolitis to watch out for:

• a rasping and persistent dry cough
• rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing)
• brief pauses in their breathing
• feeding less and having fewer wet nappies
• vomiting after feeding
• being irritable

When should you see a doctor?

See your GP if your child has symptoms of bronchiolitis.

Your GP may ask if your child has had a runny nose, cough or high temperature and for how long. This will help confirm whether they have the symptoms of bronchiolitis.

If your child has not been feeding very well or has been vomiting, your GP may also look for signs of dehydration.

How can you treat bronchiolitis?

If you're looking after your child at home, check on them regularly, including throughout the night.

Contact your GP or out-of-hours service if their condition worsens.

There's no medicine that can kill the virus that causes bronchiolitis, but you should be able to ease mild symptoms and make your child more comfortable.

To avoid the infection spreading to other children, take your child out of nursery or day care and keep them at home until their symptoms have improved.

How to make your child more comfortable while they recover:

• keep your child upright
• make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids
• do not smoke at home

• babies and children can be given paracetamol to treat pain or fever if they're over two-months-old

• ibuprofen may be given to babies aged three months or over who weigh at least 5kg (11lbs)

• saline nasal drops

Some children with bronchiolitis may need to be admitted to hospital.

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