Grim winter virus takes hold as killer lung infection targets under-5s – health chiefs plead ‘get vaccinated now’
CASES of a potentially deadly lung infection are on the rise in the UK, particularly amongst children aged under five.
Health officials have warned respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is circulating at higher than normal levels – and flu season has now taken hold.
RSV is a respiratory infection, like COVID-19 and flu, that’s a common cause of coughs and colds.
Infections usually get better by themselves, but can develop into a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis or pneumonia in babies.
The warning comes from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in its most recent flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report.
It noted RSV activity was circulating above baseline levels, with more pronounced increases in those aged below five years of age.
RSV positivity increased to 9.6 per cent compared with 6.9 per cent in the previous week.
Overall, hospital admissions increased to 2.36 per 100,000 compared with 1.81 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “RSV continues to circulate at higher levels, particularly amongst those aged five-years-old and under, with emergency departments seeing an increase in acute bronchiolitis.
“For the first time this year, vaccination is being offered against RSV for anyone who is 28 or more weeks pregnant to protect their baby, along with people aged 75-79 years.
“Ahead of the peak season, those eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also reminded to get vaccinated as it offers the best protection heading into winter.”
With more emergency department attendances caused by RSV, Dr Bernal also stressed the importance of knowing how to spot the signs.
He said: “Some of the main symptoms of a serious infection due to RSV include a cough that gets worse, shortness of breath and difficulty feeding.
“You should seek medical help if you’re worried your child is seriously unwell and further advice can be found on the NHS website.”
Can you get an RSV vaccine?
Since 1 September 2024, pregnant women have been offered RSV vaccination around the time of their 28 week antenatal appointment.
Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this can help build a good level of antibodies to pass on to the baby before birth.
This can give the newborn baby the best protection, including if they are born early.
Those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 are also eligible for a free NHS vaccine to protect them from RSV.
Flu and COVID-19 cases
The report showed flu positivity increased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 3.2 per cent in week 45 compared to 2.8 per cent in the previous week.
This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested at sentinel “spotter” laboratories, reported through the Respiratory DataMart surveillance system.
Flu hospitalisations also increased to 1.17 per 100,000, compared with 1.06 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Covid-19 is currently circulating at baseline levels. But all respiratory illnesses expected to increase over the winter.
Dr Bernal added: “If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
Symptoms of RSV
PEOPLE commonly show symptoms of the virus four to six days after being infected.
Signs include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
But symptoms can be much more subtle in very young babies, including irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.
Most children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.
It can cause a condition called bronchiolitis in babies and young children.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis in very young infants include:
- Refusal to breastfeed or bottle-feed
- Breathing more quickly and noisily (wheezing)
- Seeming very tired, upset or inactive
- Signs of dehydration – lack of tears when crying, little or no urine in their nappy for six hours, and cool, dry skin
Source: CDC, Asthma + Lung UK
Norovirus
Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks, with a new variant behind a 40 per cent surge in cases.
The UKHSA said a variant known as GII.17 has emerged as the dominant strain amid the surge in cases.
The strain has been nicknamed ‘Kawasaki’ as it was first detected in the Japanese city in 2014.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.
Infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “The half-term school break is likely to have interrupted the upward trend we’ve been seeing recently in norovirus levels, but cases are likely to rise again as we head towards Christmas.
“To help reduce the spread of norovirus you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.
“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”