Potentially dangerous virus prevalent in region

The number of people contracting potentially dangerous Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has risen 40 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Those most at risk are babies up to 12 months old, older people, weakened immunity and those with pre-existing heart or lung problems.
Deputy director at Gippsland Region Public Health Unit Alyce Walker said the increase in RSV infections resulted from freer movement of people following two years of lockdowns and restrictions on movements during COVID.
Cases were more frequent during autumn and can easily spread from people to people.

Dr Walker said RSV was a common cause of respiratory infections with infants and young children most affected and could lead to bronchitis, pneumonia and croup.
She said staying at home if unwell, regularly washing and sanitising hands and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing were the main ways to to the spread of RSV.
Wearing of face masks, that were required during COVID, is also recommended, Dr Walker said.
She stressed antibiotics were not effective treatment because it is a viral infection and symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, general aches, fever, headache or loss of appetite usually occur from one to five days and can last for one to two weeks.
If symptoms are particularly strong Dr Walker said people should seek medical help and in the case of children that may start turning blue, have trouble breathing or breathing very quickly all an ambulance or go to a hospital emergency department.
Some encouraging news is that the United States has approved its first vaccine to combat RSV which Dr Walker said may soon be available in Australia.