Parents have been left alarmed after receiving a warning regarding a deadly virus that is spreading quickly among young children. Concerning data revealed the vast number of youngsters who have recently been taken to hospital as medics confirmed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has already killed thousands under the age of five.
The UK Health Security Agency stated recent cases have soared, as has the rising number of cases of those in hospital. RSV usually has typical cold-like symptoms and is normally the cause for 20,000 hospital admissions in babies under the age of one in Britain, the Mirror reports.
However, the fatal virus has rapidly spread in the last week as infection rates increased by 8.3 per cent in week ending October 30 and experts are now fearing young children may not have had the time to build up a strong immunity against illnesses like RSV and flu. “Children aged two to three may have little natural immunity and can become severely ill," said consultant epidemiologist Dr Conall Watson.
“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 deadly virus can be easy to cure but without medical intervention it can quickly become more severe. According to co-author of the study, Dr You Li said that nearly all of the young deaths have occurred in low and middle income countries due to high population density, poor living conditions and limited access to health care.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, the spread of the virus decreased as social contact between people was massively minimised. The NHS confirmed it has given out 13.2 million flu jabs since September.
The NHS says: "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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