Louth parents encouraged to become familiar with RSV

Parents and caregivers in Louth are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as the highest numbers of infections are usually reported in December and January every year. RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds and may cause infection in the lower part of the respiratory system. These are known as lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).

A recent online survey was funded and conducted by Sanofi among 500 adults who are either currently pregnant or who have children under the age of four in Ireland to understand their level of awareness and knowledge of RSV.  The survey results revealed that just over half (51%) of Irish parents had heard of RSV and understand the risk it poses to infants and babies, but almost 1 in 5 (19%) have not heard of RSV.  

Approximately 90% of children are infected with RSV by two years of age, with RSV being the leading cause of LRTIs in babies. RSV is a seasonal virus and is spread by coughs and sneezes or close physical contact. In Ireland, the RSV season is generally from early October, with peak outbreaks typically occurring in the winter months.

Dr Máire Finn GP at Ennis Centric Health, said:

“Most RSV infections in babies are mild and will clear up within a few weeks. However, some cases can be more serious and may require hospitalisation. RSV can initially present with symptoms that might easily be mistaken for a common cold, such as fever, sniffles, wheezing, reduced appetite, or even ear infections. 

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“If symptoms progress to include changes in feeding habits, prolonged periods without wet nappies, rapid breathing, persistent high fever despite medication, or uncharacteristic fussiness, it's best to consult your GP. And if your child shows noticeable breathing difficulties or significant pauses in breathing, it's imperative to seek urgent medical attention, including dialling 999.”

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), symptoms of RSV can often resemble a cold at the beginning, including:

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

Precautionary steps can be taken to help protect infants. These include:

• keep your child home from school, childcare and other activities if they are not well enough to attend
• wash their hands properly and regularly
• always carry tissues and cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze
• cough or sneeze into your bent elbow if you do not have a tissue and wash your hands after
• put used tissues in the bin and wash your hands after

The HSE also recommends that parents or caregivers contact a GP if they are worried about their baby’s symptoms or if:

• you're worried about your child
• your baby has had less than 3 to 4 wet nappies in a 24 hour period
• your baby has gone 12 hours without having a wet nappy
• your baby has no energy to breastfeed, or if they are refusing to feed. Or if your baby is too breathless to attach to your breast
• you are bottle feeding and you notice your baby is taking less than half of what they would normally take
• your child has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher that does not settle or improve
• your child seems short of breath
• your child has no energy or is irritable

Furthermore, the HSE recommends immediately calling 999 or 112 for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department if you or a caregiver notices that.3

• is having visible difficulty breathing - their nostrils are getting wider as they breathe, or their ribs are sucking in
• has gone blue on their lips or tongue
• will not stay awake or wake up
• has long gaps in breathing (more than 10 seconds at a time or regular short gaps in breathing of 5 to 10 seconds)
• is breathing a lot faster than usual (more than 60 breaths per minute)
• is pale and sweaty
• has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more

Where to go for more information

Sanofi has an informative website www.togetheragainstrsv.ie, that provides information about RSV to complement HSE advice.