ROMSEY parents are being urged to know how to spot the signs of a common children’s breathing illness.

It comes as University Hospital Southampton (UHS) prepares for a spike in admissions this autumn.

RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus - is contagious and can be common among children but has largely been suppressed by social distancing because of Covid in the past 18-months, according to health experts at the hospital.

However, it now reports an increase in cases.

Most infected children only experience mild symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing.

But experts have warned that the virus can cause bronchiolitis – a respiratory infection that in some cases can prove severe, especially for those under the age of two.

As children across the county return to classrooms this week, UHS is launching an awareness drive to help parents and carers recognise the symptoms so they can take action early.

Dr Sanjay Patel, consultant paediatrician specialising in infectious disease at UHS, said awareness was key so parents know when and where to seek help if a child becomes ill.

He said: “RSV affects young children every year. However, there were such low rates of RSV last winter, due to the measures we were all taking to protect against Covid-19, meaning many young children have not previously been exposed to the virus.

“For this reason, we are likely to see cases of bronchiolitis in slightly older children than in previous years.

He added: “It’s important to know that in most cases a child will only suffer mild symptoms and can be cared for at home. The key is knowing what to look for and taking action early by seeking advice and help from your pharmacy or GP if needed.

“It is also important if your child is unwell to keep them at home to help reduce transmission to others, like the elderly, who may be vulnerable in the community.”

People are urged to wash their hands regularly when visiting the hospital for appointments and to wear a face covering.

The awareness drive comes as UHS launches its #dontgoviral campaign, aimed at reducing transmission of viruses like RSV as well as Covid-19, flu and other infectious illnesses this winter.

For more information about RSV, including signs and symptoms to look out for, visit the Healthier Together website.