According to the region, almost all children get an infection with the RS virus at some point during the first two years of life.
Usually the form of a cold is taken and most often the disease is of the milder type but there is a risk that children under one year or children belonging to a risk group can become seriously ill.
The elderly and people with impaired heart / lung function or weakened immune systems can also become seriously ill.
- Even if covid-19 decreases, the RS virus increases dramatically and we are convinced that it will reach Norrbotten soon.
RS is transmitted very easily and this year's RS season is more serious than in a very long time, says Hilda Hassler, operations manager for pediatrics at Sunderby Hospital.
One of the tips that Hilda Hassler gives to parents of young children is to ensure that the child's nasal passages are kept open, which makes it easier for small children, under six months, to usually breathe through the nose.
The youngest children are also more susceptible to infection caused by the RS virus in the smallest trachea, so-called bronchiolitis.
For children under six months, bronchiolitis often causes greater difficulty breathing and more severe coughing.
- When a child is affected by breathing or is unable to eat, then it is time to contact the health service to get help, says Hilda Hassler.