From norovirus to RSV – the 7 kids’ illnesses threatening to strike and signs to watch for

PARENTS have been warned to watch out for symptoms of viruses circulating in youngsters, now that Covid restrictions have been lifted.

Not only is the coronavirus circulating, but other common bugs that cause cold and flu-like symptoms.

Typically illnesses which cause a runny nose or sore throat are seen in the winter.

But everyone was told to “stay at home” due to Covid, which means many kids (and adults) will not have developed immunity.

Parents may be unaware to watch out for illnesses during the summer months that they expect only occur in the cold season. 

While most “common cold” type bugs are harmless, a small minority of kids will need hospital care.

Vulnerable people are also in danger of picking things up from youngsters, especially Covid.

Public health officials have encouraged parents to look out for symptoms of severe infection in at-risk children.

How are cases increasing?

Common respiratory infections include RSV, rhinovirus, parainfluenza and adenovirus.

Data shows that currently, most of these bugs are circulating at higher levels in England than last summer.

Some are back up to levels seen in August 2019, after becoming almost non-existent in the summer of 2020.

But RSV –  respiratory syncytial virus – is considerably higher than any normal August, while rhinovirus is at levels seen in March.

Health Minister Lord Bethell warned other parents in July: “I remember the long nights in hospital when my 8-week old daughter fought off RSV.

“The image of her tiny body plugged into those machines and gasping for air will not leave me. I would not wish those moments for anyone.

“It’s a nasty bug, so watch out for it.”

Flu levels are currently very low in all ages. But they are expected to explode come autumn. 

Scientists have also warned there could soon be an “unpredictable epidemic” of norovirus from next month.

Government scientists have raised the alarm that rates of the seasonal vomiting and tummy bug are way down this year – and could explode from September.

Symptoms to watch for in 7 bugs

Symptoms of bugs that spread among kids largely cross over, with some slight differences for each one.

1. Common cold, caused by various bugs

If they have a common cold they are likely to get: 

• a blocked or runny nose
• a sore throat
• headaches
• muscle aches
• coughs
• sneezing
• a raised temperature
• pressure in the ears and face
• loss of taste and smell

2. Flu

Compared to a common cold, a flu appearly quickly within a few hours, feels more severe and can make the person or child feel exhausted.

3. Covid

Covid symptoms are very similar to a cold. The NHS says “If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, it could be Covid-19”, and it warrants a test.

Doctors have also warned that if you or your child feels unwell at all, it’s worth getting a test.

They have found that the most common symptoms in unvaccinated people are headaches, sore throat, runny nose, fever and persistent cough.  

4. Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza, as well as causing symptoms of the common cold, can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest pain.

All types of parainfluenza are respiratory infections, and are the causes of croup, pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

5. Adenovirus 

Adenoviruses  can infect the lungs but also cause a number of other illnesses including pink eye, stomach bugs, meningitis and UTIs.

They’re common causes of fever, coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and pink eye. But each type of adenovirus can affect a child differently, ranging from symptoms of a stiff neck to trouble breathing.

6. RSV 

RSV, which affects most people by the age of two, has the same symptoms as a cold cold.

But more specifically it can cause your baby, or child, to have wheezing, brief pauses in breathing, vomiting after food, lower appetite and fewer wet nappies.

RSV can be severe in babies under a year old, especially premature babies.

They could develop bronchiolitis, an inflammatory infection of the lower airways, which can make it hard to breathe.

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold but can develop over a few days into a high temperature of 37.8°C or above (fever), a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing).

7. Norovirus

The nasty sickness bug of norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, typically causes naeusea, diarrhoea and vomiting.

When to see a doctor or call 111

The NHS says you should go to your GP or call NHS 111 if you are concerned about your child’s symptoms.

You should also consider seeing the doctors if your child’s symptoms are persisting longer than three weeks, or if their temperature reaches a very high level, especially with shivers. 

Those with weakened immune systems or who have a serious condition, like diabetes, should also be seen by a doctor for a common bug.

If your child has symptoms such as ear pain, they could have an ear infection caused by rhinovirus.

You should get and has blood diarrhoea, has had diarrhoea for over a week, has been vomiting for more than two days, can’t keep fluids down, or has signs of dehydration.

When to call 999

Kid’s bugs can get very serious for the minority. 

If your child or baby has a respiratory infection, call 999 if they have any of the following symptoms:

• has difficulty breathing or exhaustion from trying to breathe, for example is grunting
• is breathing very fast
• their breathing stops for a long time, or there are regular shorter pauses in their breathing
• their skin turns very pale or blue, or the inside of their lips and tongue are blue
• you’re unable to wake your child or, if woken up, they do not stay awake
• your baby is not feeding normally
• your baby has not had a wet nappy for 12 hours
• a persistent (won’t go away) high temperature of 38C or above
• swelling around the eyes
• signs of dehydration
• vomit that either looks like ground coffee, is green or yellow, or has blood in it
• a stiff neck when looking at bright lights
• a sudden and severe headache or stomach ache
• coughing up blood
• chest pain