COVID-19 Impact on RSV Emergency Presentations
This research is looking into bronchiolitis, a common chest infection in babies and young children, often caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). During the COVID-19 pandemic, RSV cases almost disappeared, but now they are returning, sometimes more severely and even in summer, as seen in Australia. This study helps us understand when RSV starts spreading, if it's affecting older children, and if the illness is more serious. This information is key for hospitals and doctors to plan for patient care, especially for babies at higher risk. More recently, the study is also checking how well a new vaccine given during pregnancy protects babies from RSV.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Bronchiolitis is a very common chest infection especially in babies under one year old, often seen in winter. It’s caused by a virus called RSV and can make little ones quite poorly, sometimes needing a trip to A&E or even a stay in hospital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, because of lockdowns and social distancing, we saw hardly any cases of RSV and bronchiolitis. This was unusual, and doctors worldwide noticed it.
Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased, RSV is making a comeback. Some countries, like Australia, saw it return very strongly, even in the summer, and sometimes it affected older children up to two years old. Doctors in the UK think we might see a similar pattern here. This study aims to help us understand exactly when RSV starts spreading each year and if it’s affecting a wider age range of children or causing more serious illness than usual. Knowing this helps hospitals and healthcare services get ready, especially to protect the most vulnerable babies who could get very sick from RSV.
Initially, this study involved A&E staff reporting cases of bronchiolitis in real-time, sharing important but anonymous information. Later, it started looking at virus samples to understand RSV better. Now, a key part of the study is to see how effective a new vaccine, given to pregnant mothers, is at protecting their babies from RSV. They are asking mothers whose babies get bronchiolitis during the RSV season if they had the vaccine, so they can link this to their baby's health records in the study.
Key takeaways
- Bronchiolitis and RSV are common winter illnesses for babies.
- COVID-19 changed how RSV spreads, and cases are now returning.
- The study helps doctors prepare for RSV seasons and protect vulnerable babies.
- It also checks how well a new vaccine given during pregnancy works.
- Participation involves sharing anonymous information, no experimental treatments.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking at babies and young children up to two years old who come to certain hospital emergency departments. To be included, the child needs to have symptoms of bronchiolitis, a lower breathing infection, or their first episode of wheezing that doctors think is caused by a virus.
Children are not included if they have a history of wheezing that gets better with medication, as this might suggest a different underlying condition, such as asthma.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child under two years old?
- Did your child visit an emergency department for a cough or breathing issue?
- Does your child have symptoms like cough, fast breathing, or a wheeze?
- Has your child *not* had wheezing many times before that improved with medicine?
What does participation involve?
If a child meets the study criteria when they present at an emergency department, staff collect some basic, non-identifying information about their illness. More recently, for the vaccine part of the study, if a mother had the new RSV vaccine during pregnancy and her baby gets bronchiolitis during the RSV season, staff might ask for consent to record her vaccination details. This helps researchers link the vaccine information to the baby's health information anonymously. The study does not involve extra visits, medications, or specific follow-up appointments beyond what is needed for your child's usual care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS TrustVerified postcodeLeicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection in babies and young children, often caused by a virus called RSV. It makes breathing difficult due to inflammation of the small airways in the lungs.
Why is this study important now?
After the COVID-19 pandemic, RSV cases are returning, and doctors want to understand if it's affecting more children, if the illness is more severe, and how a new vaccine for pregnant mothers is working.
Who is at risk from RSV?
While most young children get better from RSV, some babies, especially those born prematurely or with certain health conditions, can become very sick and might need hospital care.
Will my child receive any new treatments in this study?
No, this study is about collecting information. Your child will receive standard medical care for their illness as decided by their doctors.
What is the new vaccine mentioned?
It's a new vaccine given to pregnant mothers in the UK (called Bivalent Prefusion F Vaccine) to help protect their babies from RSV once they are born.
How to find out more
Damian Roland, BMBS PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.