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compromised immune system, as well is needed to give supplemental our susceptibility has. With all the
as children with Downs Syndrome. oxygen. Severely ill children may restrictions placed on us for over two
Certain groups will have prolonged need more intensive care and higher years, we have not built up the required
shedding of the virus, which means degrees of respiratory support. immunity needed as a group, leaving
they can spread the virus for longer. our little ones especially susceptible to
When should you seek help or be our more common strains of viruses.
This virus is spread by droplet concerned when your child is ill? Children, who are generally magnets
transmission, such as coughing • If there are any signs of dehydration for all sorts of bugs, have gone for
and sneezing. or poor feeding/refusal to eat. months without interacting with
• If there are signs of respiratory other children or anyone outside their
SYMPTOMS distress (flaring of the nostrils, fast home, and when they do, it is often in
Bronchiolitis is a virus-induced lower breathing, using accessory muscles a sterile, masked environment. Even
respiratory tract infection, presenting to breathe, blue/pale colour). babies born during the pandemic may
mostly in children under two years • A newborn or infant with a not have received antibodies in the
of age, especially in infants. Clinical temperature of more than womb as their mothers were isolated
symptoms can vary depending 38 degrees Celsius. and sheltered from being exposed
on age, comorbidities (other • And as always – a parent knows to any viruses during this time.
medical problems), environmental best, so if you are very concerned,
exposures (pollution, smoke) and it’s better to seek medical advice The disruption to our day-to-day lives
a history of previous infections. and have your child assessed. caused by the pandemic has prevented
much-needed antibodies against
Signs and symptoms include There has been an upsurge in viruses from being generated by our
congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), respiratory viruses and prolonged young children who are now being
and sneezing, along with a low-grade seasons of respiratory virus activity. exposed with the lifting of restrictions.
fever (temperature between 37.5 and This has emerged after periods of Prevention is key during these times!
38.5 degrees Celsius). The condition lockdown and little to no exposure
then progresses within one to two to viruses, leading to little to no
days to involve the lower respiratory immunity, especially in young
system (lungs) causing wheezing children. In general, viruses which
(whistling breathing), hyperinflation, may have had asymptomatic or mild
fast breathing and signs of respiratory presentations are resulting in more
distress (difficulty breathing) as well severe symptoms, most likely due
as a cough. A child may present with a to our waning immunity. We will
mild or very severe respiratory illness. have to monitor trends in seasons
to come and see if this changes.
DIAGNOSIS
The virus is diagnosed by obtaining HOW CAN ONE PREVENT
a nasopharyngeal swab (yes, that INFECTION?
dreaded, painful nose swab we’ve Prevention involves the washing of
all had to undergo when testing for hands, cough hygiene, restricting
COVID). Normally no chest radiograph day care in RSV season (especially in
(X-ray) is needed but it will be done in the high-risk groups), and avoiding
severe cases or prolonged or atypical environmental exposures (pollution,
presentations. Sometimes the doctor tobacco smoke). If your child is
will check the oxygen saturation sick, please keep them at home to
levels to assess how sick the child avoid further spread of the disease.
is. Other signs of severe disease are Immunization (a costly monthly
lethargy, and inability to feed. injection) is available, but this is
reserved for high-risk groups.
TREATMENT
Treatment is largely supportive As we transition out of this global
(hydration, pain control and lots pandemic, we need to acknowledge
of love). However, if oxygen levels that there are other threats out
are low, then admission to hospital there. Viruses have not changed but IMAGE BY ANNA SHVETS

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