Portlaoise hospital's paediatric team sound RSV virus warning to Laois

Doctors and nurses at Portlaoise hospital have backed an appeal from HSE Midlands to parents and the general public in Laois to be vigilant for the symptoms of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Health authorities made the plea as GPs and hospitals report a rise in the numbers of young children affected by respiratory symptoms and viruses, including RSV which increases during winter.

The HSE says RSV is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which generally occurs between October and April, with cases peaking in December. It is the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very young children. Bronchiolitis may lead to breathing and feeding difficulties and can result in hospitalisation.

RSV can also be serious and life-threatening for older adults, individuals with weak immune systems, and children who are premature or have chronic heart and lung disease.

Dr Paul Gallagher, Consultant Paediatrician and Marie Rohan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Paediatric ED, Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, spoke on the issue.

 “Newborns and younger babies are at particular risk from RSV. When visiting families with newborns you need to be extra careful to wash your hands before holding them. And don’t kiss and cuddle babies if you have a cold or a cough. For parents who are worried we have a lot of advice available on www.mychild.ie

Dr Úna Fallon is a Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the Department of Public Health - HSE Dublin and Midlands.

 “We’ve seen a very significant recent rise both nationally and in the Dublin and Midlands region in the number of children with RSV, especially in children aged four and under, which is concerning.

“It’s up to us all to do our part to protect vulnerable babies and children. Key to that is reducing the chance of infection and spread.

“That means staying away from others if you feel unwell, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, binning used tissues and washing your hands after and regularly throughout the day. Please make sure your child’s vaccines or immunisations are up to date, including the annual free nasal flu vaccine from your local GP or pharmacy,” she said.

The HSE says most cases of RSV can be cared for at home, and RSV usually clears in two to three weeks without treatment. However, symptoms can worsen quickly, particularly within the first 5-6 days, so it is important to watch symptoms and seek medical advice when needed.

The HSE also issued advice regarding crèches and childcare services.

It says that at this time of year, children may have a runny nose or slight cough, and they should not be prevented from attending if they are feeling well with one mild symptom. However, if a child is feeling unwell with more significant symptoms, or a combination of symptoms (cough, runny nose and mild fever) then they should be at home until the fever and their symptoms have gone.

Children may have a persistent cough after infection for a few weeks, so once the fever and other symptoms have gone, they should not be excluded for the cough alone.

Good ventilation of shared spaces, good cough etiquette (coughing into tissue or elbow rather than on hands) and good hand hygiene / cleaning of surfaces, all really help in preventing spread.

Symptoms of RSV as outlined by the HSE

Initial symptoms can include

• •    runny nose
• •    blocked nose
• •    mild fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius)
• •    slight cough.

Further symptoms usually develop over the next few days, including:

• •    mild fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius)
• •    a dry and persistent cough
• •    rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing)
• •    feeding less
• •    fewer wet nappies
• •    vomiting after feeding
• •    being irritable.

Watch and share this video with Marie Rohan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Paediatric ED with her top tips for keeping your child well this winter - www.youtu.be/b9HZijukmtI

Parents are advised to trust their instinct, and to always contact their GP if they are worried, especially if the symptoms get worse quickly.