Experts are warning Aboriginal parents in Western Australia with newborn babies to be vigilant about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as winter progresses.
RSV is one of the most common viruses that affect young babies in their first year of life, with severe cases requiring breathing assistance in hospital.
Across WA, hospitalisations due to RSV among Aboriginal babies are around double the rate of non-Aboriginal babies.
Over a one year period, almost one in 20 Aboriginal infants in the first six months of life are hospitalised with RSV.
Associate Professor Hannah Moore, from the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia and Curtin University, said it was important for families to recognise the early signs of RSV and take their baby to a doctor as soon as they are concerned.
“Things to look out for that could be a sign of RSV include a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, a loss of appetite and fewer wet nappies,” she said.
“If your baby has any of these symptoms you should see a doctor as soon as possible, and if your baby is having trouble breathing, take them straight to hospital.”
RSV is spread via respiratory droplets from the mouth and nose and symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, a loss of appetite, a runny nose.
There is a strong link between RSV infections early in life and respiratory problems as the child grows up, including asthma and recurrent chest infections.
New vaccines and preventative treatments for RSV are under development, including a vaccine given to pregnant women to pass immunity on to their baby, and an injection of antibodies given to the baby to provide them with protection.
Aboriginal Cultural Guidance Advisor at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Associate Professor Valerie Swift, said it was crucial that Aboriginal families continue to be on the lookout for signs of RSV in their babies.
Getting medical attention early can mean babies won’t get as sick, which can prevent some of those complications in the long term
“A lot of parents, grandparents and carers might not have heard of this virus before so we are urging everyone who is caring for a newborn to learn about the symptoms.”
You can read more about the research underway at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases at The Kids Research Institute Australia here.