Parents told to avoid crowds with babies after spike in cases of dangerous virus

Irish parents have been told to 'cocoon' babies under three months old and avoid bringing them to crowded places after a rise in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Children’s Health Ireland says it has seen an increase in patients presenting to Emergency Departments and being admitted to hospital with RSV in the last week.

RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds. It is the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very young children.

As a result of the spike in cases, "CHI Emergency Departments in Temple Street, Crumlin and Tallaght are now extremely busy, and we regret that children with less serious illnesses may experience long waiting times," CHI said in a statement.

"This increase in cases of seasonal RSV is to be expected at this time of year," they added.

"Most cases are mild and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks without treatment. However, RSV can make small infants very sick. Parents are advised to trust their instinct, and to always contact their GP or come to the Emergency Department if they are worried, especially if the symptoms get worse quickly."

Dr Paddy Fitzpatrick is Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine in CHI, and explains that there are things that parents and caregivers can do to help curb the spread and keep infants safe:

“While seasonal RSV is circulating at a high level, my advice to people looking after very small infants, under 3 months in particular, is to try to cocoon them and avoid having them in large crowds. It is also so important that when we are sick ourselves or have children who are sick that we keep away from other children where possible. I understand it’s tough for parents who are working, but it’s also vital that children with cold or flu like illnesses don’t go to crèche or school until they are feeling better to try to avoid spreading these viruses."

RSV is not a new virusand CHI says almost all children get RSV by the time they are 2 years old. 

"It usually spreads in winter and early spring. Most symptoms of RSV are mild, such as a runny nose, coughing and sneezing. People usually recover within 2 to 3 weeks without treatment or the need to see a GP," a statement confirmed.

Symptoms of an RSV infection start like a cold and can include:

- cough
- wheezing
- runny nose
- difficulty feeding or decreased appetite
- fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher)
- sore throat

These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.

After 4 to 5 days, babies and young children can develop bronchiolitis. Their symptoms may get worse and include:

- increased breathing (more breaths per minute)
- wheezing
- difficulty feeding or decreased appetite
- less wet nappies

"These symptoms often remain for 3 to 4 days before slowly getting better. It can usually take 10 to 14 days before babies and young children recover from an RSV infection. Many babies and children may have a cough that lasts for weeks after the start of the infection. This does not need antibiotics," CHI said.

You can usually treat RSV symptoms at home without needing to see a GP b CHI tells parents to trust their instincts.

"Bring your child to your GP if you are worried about them or their symptoms worsen."

CHI says "RSV vaccination will likely have a significant impact on reducing the burden of RSV illness in children and protecting small babies from serious infection. Two new safe and effective vaccines have been developed but are not yet available in Ireland."