NSW Health is urging parents of young children to be on the lookout for symptoms of a potentially serious respiratory illness following a surge in cases recently.
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NSW Health issued a health alert for bronchiolitis, a chest infection often caused by viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
In young children, RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small breathing tubes of the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lung).
NSW Health data has shown higher than usual numbers of emergency department presentations for bronchiolitis, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses in children aged zero to four since the start of summer, while hospital admissions for children with bronchiolitis, respiratory illnesses and fever are also up.
NSW Health said testing data had revealed an increase in the number of diagnoses of RSV and pneumonia in young children.
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While respiratory illnesses are usually more common during the cooler months, the recent easing of restrictions and increasing social interactions could be contributing to the unseasonal increase.
''While much of our focus this year has been on limiting the transmission of COVID-19, there are a number of other respiratory viruses that are transmitted very easily and can result in severe illness in young children and other vulnerable people," said acting executive director of Health Protection for NSW Health, Dr Richard Broome.
"Even with very low levels of COVID-19 and the easing of restrictions, it is still important that anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms remain home from work, school or childcare, get tested and pay attention to hand hygiene to reduce the transmission of other respiratory viruses.
"A negative COVID-19 test doesn't mean you are not infectious with another virus, and you should discuss when to return to work, school or childcare with your doctor."
Children under two are most at risk but NSW Health is asking parents of children under five to stay vigilant and take measures to limit the transmission.
"Children with even mild respiratory symptoms should be kept home from school or childcare, and parents and carers are encouraged to ensure frequent handwashing and cough and sneeze etiquette," NSW Health said.
Symptoms of RSV include runny nose, cough and fever. Sometimes an ear infection can follow. Symptoms can be more severe in babies under six months with wheezing and shortness of breath, irritability and poor feeding.
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