Urgent RSV warning to parents after winter illness spreads

A mum has warned parents against kissing their babies after fears a ‘scary’ respiratory disease may spread as temperatures plummet.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes wheezing, rasping, coughing, vomiting and pauses in a child’s breathing if contracted.

Young children can even develop bronchiolitis after catching the disease.

It is transmitted easily by large droplets and secretions from contact with an infected person, including being kissed by family members.

Mum Abby, who runs TheMotherhoodHome on Instagram, told her followers: ‘It’s RSV season and this is your friendly reminder to NOT KISS babies and toddles on the hands or faces if they aren’t your child.

‘Even if you are immediate family. This is not about you. This is about protecting children from becoming seriously sick.

‘In fact, just don’t kiss babies full stop. This is just a reminder that RSV season is here.

‘Do not be afraid to tell your family to NOT kiss your baby/toddler. People seem to think toddlers are safe from RSV, but they’re not. They can still become very sick. Let’s keep our littles safe.’

The virus can even survive on surfaces for up to seven hours.

According to the NHS, RSV is common and nearly all children are infected with it by the time they turn two-years-old.

Those under the age of one are at the greatest risk of catching RSV.

Infants under six months old frequently develop bronchiolitis and pneumonia which can even lead to hospitalisation.

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