Parents are advised to look out for signs of breathing problems in young children over winter, with a report highlighting the deadly risks from a mostly unknown seasonal virus.
The report found RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is responsible for the hospitalisation of about 12,000 babies under 12 months each year.
That number climbs to over 15,000 for children under five, which is eight times higher than the numbers hospitalised for the flu.
The virus is relatively unknown within the community, with Australia’s first RSV Awareness week launched on June 4.
Children who contract the virus can suffer long term health complications including allergies and asthma….