HEALTH chiefs in Dudley have urged parents to look out for signs of viral respiratory infection in their children following a rise in cases in the borough.

RSV, as it is also known, is a common viral infection in young children and the most common cause of bronchiolitis, an infection of the lower airways, in children aged under two.

Due to lockdown, cases were low last year but with the easing of restrictions they are expected to rise over the coming months and into winter.

Most cases are not serious and clear up within two to three weeks, and can be treated at home in the same way as a cold.

Early symptoms of infections like bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold, and Covid -19, including a runny nose and a cough so a PCR test to rule out Covid should be taken.

Parents, however, are urged to contact their GP or call NHS 111 if their child struggles to breath, they have taken less than half their usual amount during the last two or three feeds, they have had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or have a persistent high temperature of 37.8C or above.

Dr Thomas Gorst, consultant paediatrician at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are currently seeing an increasing number of children being admitted with bronchiolitis, there are approximately two to three children a day presenting with symptoms.

"However, bronchiolitis is extremely common and, in most cases, can be safely managed at home.”

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley's cabinet member for public health, said: "Over the last year and its lockdowns, children were not exposed to many of the common viruses so will not have picked up immunity as they normally would.

"With the lifting of restrictions and people starting to mix more, we’re expecting to see a higher number of children than usual with severe respiratory illness.

"I want to reassure you that most cases of respiratory illness are not serious and clear up within two to three weeks. However, we do want to make everyone aware of the signs of RSV, so they know how to treat their children at home and know when to seek medical help.”

Almost all children are infected with RSV by the time they are two-years-old.

In older children and adults, it may cause a cough or cold.

However - some children under two, especially those born prematurely or with a heart or lung condition, can suffer more seriously.

Lucy Rozga, matron for children services at The Dudley Group, said: "Across the UK this winter we are expecting to see a surge of babies with bronchiolitis that may need medical admission.

"We are prepared for this and would encourage any parents who are concerned about their child having laboured breathing, looks dehydrated or is excessively sleepy to seek advice from the GP or 111.”

For more on the symptoms of RSV visit nhs.uk/conditions/bronchiolitis/causes/