Warning on infant lung virus

The public has been warned of the increased risk this winter of a respiratory virus that can cause major complications in premature babies and infants with certain chronic conditions.

Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) is a common infection which can affect all children by the age of two years. It tends to be most prevalent from October until April.

While the virus is not serious in adults, major complications can occur in premature babies and in infants born with congenital heart disease and chronic lung disease.

In Ireland last year, cases of RSV reported by the National Virus Reference Laboratory in Dublin showed an increase by almost a third on the previous year.

Most of the RSV infections reported were in children aged less than one year old.

According to consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Colin McMahon, parents can take several steps to prevent the spread of RSV and protect their baby.

These include frequent handwashing for everyone who touches the baby, not permitting smoking near the baby or in the home, avoiding taking the infant into crowded places during the winter months and keeping people with cold symptoms at least six feet from the baby at all times.

Dr Mc Mahon said in many babies, RSV causes a mild cold, but in certain cases, such as in premature babies and those with specific chronic conditions, RSV can cause serious lung infection.

[Posted: Mon 08/12/2008]