We’re seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses in children.
Parents are encouraged to look out for symptoms of severe respiratory infection in children, including a high temperature of 37.8°C or above (fever), a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid, or noisy breathing (wheezing) or increased effort of breathing.
For the majority of children, these illnesses will not be serious, and they will soon recover following rest and plenty of fluids.
Most cases of bronchiolitis are not serious and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks, but parents should contact their GP or contact NHS 111 if:
- Their child struggles to breath.
- Their child has taken less than half their usual amount during the last 2 or 3 feeds, or they have had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more.
- The child has a persistent high temperature of 37.8C or above.
Some children under 2, especially those born prematurely, very young (less than 6 weeks old), those diagnosed with chronic lung disease or with a heart condition, can suffer more serious consequences from these common respiratory infections.
Find out more about the symptoms of respiratory illnesses in children and what to do, go to Bronchiolitis - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
