🚨 Urgent Health Alert: Be Aware of RSV Spike! 🚨
There’s an increase in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) across the UK, and it’s essential to know how it might affect you or your little ones. While RSV might just cause a cough or cold for many, it can become serious for young children, especially under two years.
🩺 Dr Suraj Kukadia shares some vital advice:
1. Know what’s “normal” for your child’s breathing. If it changes or becomes laboured, it’s time to take action.
2. Filming your child’s healthy breathing pattern can provide a useful reference.
⏰ **12-Hour Warning:**
If your child hasn’t urinated in 12 hours, it’s a red flag for dehydration, a serious symptom of RSV. In such cases, head to A&E immediately.
The NHS advises contacting 111 or getting an urgent GP appointment if there are signs like reduced urine output, dehydration, or breathing difficulties.
Common RSV symptoms mimic a cold, such as:
– Runny or blocked nose
– Cough, sneezing
– Tiredness, mild fever
Serious symptoms might include:
– Worsening cough, shortness of breath
– Noisy breathing (wheezing)
– Difficulty feeding in babies or a loss of appetite
– Confusion in older people
⛑️ **Emergency Signs:**
– Grunting while breathing
– Blue skin, lips, or tongue
– Your child is floppy or unresponsive
It’s crucial to stay vigilant and seek help if any severe symptoms arise. Keep this info handy and share with friends and family to spread awareness! 💬👶💙
Stay safe and informed, everyone! 🌈