Winter virus that hospitalises 30,000 infants a year circulating at 'very high intensity levels'

A winter virus that puts 30,000 infants in hospital a year is currently circulating at very high intensity levels in children in Wales. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds.

RSV infections usually get better by themselves, but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults. They put thousands in hospital each year in Wales and England and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths each year.

In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis, which can cause breathing problems - and it can also cause pneumonia in babies and older adults.

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Cases have been increasing in recent weeks in Wales as is common as we head towards winter. A Weekly Surveillance Report found that more than 80 children required hospital treatment in Wales over the past week due to the virus.

The report said: "RSV is circulating, with activity at very high intensity levels in children aged up to 5 years old. Incidence per 100,000 population in children aged up to 5 increased to 108.5 in the most recent week.

"The number of confirmed cases of community acquired RSV admitted to hospital increased to 83 in the most recent week."

Welsh Government recently launched a vaccine programme for the over-75s and pregnant women.

Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme, said: "RSV is a disease which we know circulates every autumn and leads can increase the number of young children and the elderly who are seriously ill and need hospitalisation.

"We are delighted that we now have a safe and effective RSV vaccine which has the potential to reduce the harm caused to the most vulnerable. Those eligible for the vaccine include those who are over 28 weeks pregnant, and those who have recently turned 75. If you are pregnant we would really encourage you to discuss vaccination for RSV, Whooping Cough and Flu with your midwife.

"The vaccination programme was launched in September and anyone who is invited to take up the vaccine, is strongly encouraged to make an appointment and get protected as soon as possible."

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