Parents have been put on high alert after worrying new data revealed the number of children in hospital with a deadly virus has surged in the last week.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has already caused the death of thousands of youngsters under the age of five, medics have confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency says not only have cases risen sharply, but hospitalisations have also soared.
RSV usually has cold-like symptoms and normally accounts for 20,000 hospital admissions in under-ones in the UK.
But infections increased by 8.3 per cent 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.
“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."
It is said to be easy to treat, but without medical intervention it can become more serious.
Nearly all the deaths occurred in low and middle-income countries because of high population density, poor living conditions and limited access to health care, co-author of the study Dr You Li said.
Levels of the virus decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic as social contact was greatly reduced.
The NHS revealed it administered 13.2 million flu vaccinations 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."
