Coronavirus: Half of current cases 'unrecognised' says expert
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The UK has been focused on containing the threat of COVID-19 but it is not the only virus to contend with. In fact, as winter approaches, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is proliferating. “We are hearing many more reports of extended colds, frequent colds and colds,” said Doctor Hilary on GMB on Monday.
As doctor Hilary explained, RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
As the weather is cooler, people flock together more, and the lifting of coronavirus restrictions has caused surge in RSV.
Coughs are a common warning sign of RSV, said Doctor Hilary.
The situation poses a grave threat to the NHS because, as Doctor Hilary pointed out, “there is no vaccine at the present time” for RSV.
According to doctor Hilary, RSV is prevalent among babies but it can be passed on to adults too.
“Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults,” warns the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs), explains the CDC.
Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under two years old.
The symptoms to spot
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected, notes the CDC.
Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing.
“These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once,” says the CDC.
“In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.”
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