THE number of children in hospital with a deadly virus has soared in the last week, official data has revealed.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the cause of deaths for thousands of kids under five, across the world.
Now data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that not only have cases risen – but that hospitalisations have also surged in the under 5s.
The chart above shows that over 16 children per 100,000 of the population in the under 5s have been hospitalised with the bug.
That’s far more than any other age group, with in some groups, less that one child per 100,000 having been hospitalised.
Cases of the illness are highest in that age group at 29.3 per cent, in figures taken from the week ending October 23.
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However, it’s not clear from the data how many under fives have been tested for the illness.
Across all age groups, cases have increased by 8.3 per cent.
RSV cases are higher than typical for this time of year, as are cases of other bugs, including flu.
This is partly down to Covid lockdowns preventing RSV from circulating as it usually would – as a result many children haven’t come into contact with the bug and have no immunity.
Immunity to various bugs among children, and adults, was low when the UK came out of lockdowns last year.
RSV is common virus that usually affects children before their second birthday.
For most babies and young children, the infection causes nothing more than a cold.
But for a small percentage, infection with RSV can lead to serious problems such as bronchiolitis, which is inflammation of the small airways of the lungs, or pneumonia, which can become life-threatening.
RSV infection can cause cold-like symptoms, including cough and runny nose, which usually last for one to two weeks.
You should be on the lookout for the below symptoms of RSV and call your child’s doctor if these occur.
In the event of an emergency, always call 999.
The five signs you need to know:
If your baby is very tired, breathes rapidly, or has a blue tint to the lips or fingernails, get medical attention immediately.
Professor Harish Nair, Chair of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health at the University of Edinburgh previously said that parents can help their children by encouraging frequent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces and toys.
Prof Nair, who is involved in Sanofi’s Together Against RSV campaign added: “Cold and damp homes can predispose infants to a number of respiratory illnesses, such as wheezing, asthma, bronchiolitis and pneumonia including those due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“With the cost of living increasing and many families likely to find it difficult to heat their homes this winter, children’s vulnerability to illness could be increased and this could impact the number of RSV cases significantly bringing extra strain on the NHS.
“RSV is a common infection in children and while most cases are mild, some cases can be more severe and require hospital care.
“It’s essential parents understand what RSV is and how to protect their children against it.”
The data comes as figures also show the cases of flu are rising in younger age groups.
Rates are estimated to be highest among people aged 15 to 44, with 13.4 per cent of laboratory samples from this age group testing positive.
Rates are second highest in those aged five to 14 year-olds, with 10.4 per cent of samples from this age group testing positive.
Hospital admissions for flu decreased slightly during the week and were highest in the 85 and over age group, the UKHSA said.
Covid-19 hospital admissions also fell but were highest in the 85 and over age group.
Overall levels of flu are still low, meaning it is too early to predict how big the wave of infections will be.
In total around 33 million people in England can get a free flu vaccine this year, including everyone aged 50 and over, all primary-age children and some secondary-age children.
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The vaccine is also being offered to pregnant women, people in care homes, frontline health and social care staff, carers, those aged six to 49 with a specified health condition, and household contacts of people with weakened immune systems.
All two and three-year-olds are eligible for a flu nasal spray vaccine, which will be offered by their local GP.
