Respiratory Syncytial Virus threatens babies under six months and could put ... trends now
Parents have been urged to learn the symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with a major report fearing more than 12,000 babies could be hospitalised with the 'unpredictable' virus in 2023.
Infants less than six months of age were found to be the most at-risk group.
A major report from health advisory firm, Evohealth found the respiratory illness - which can quickly progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia - was the leading reason for hospitalisation of children under five.
RSV caused 15,864 hospitalisations children under five last winter, with one-in-four causes requiring intensive care.
Katja Schwarz (pictured with Phoenix) was forced to admite her seven-year-old son Phoenix into emergency care when he contracted Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Earlier this year, Sydney mother Katja Schwarz took her seven-week-old boy Phoenix to hospital after his breathing became laboured.
She said the hospital measured his oxygen levels and saw they were dropping while she fed him.
That's caused a lot of concern,' she told Nine News on Sunday night.
'At that point we spent about 11 hours in emergency'.
Ms Schwarz warned other parents to be vigilant if their young children show cold or flu symptoms that could be the first stages of Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
'Seek medical advice whether that's your GP or just going straight to emergency,' she said.
Immunisation Foundation of Australia founder Catherine Hughes said the virus was 'unpredictable and can be very serious'. There is also no vaccine to prevent RSV, or reduce its effects.
'It's important that caregivers know the signs that may indicate severe disease, trust their gut, and seek medical attention when it's needed,' she said.
About a quarter of the young children admitted to hospital with RSV will require emergency care
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