An RS virus infection usually turns out to be a cold, but the youngest children can become seriously ill and have trouble breathing.

Right now, many children are infected with the virus and need care.

- If you have children younger than 6 months whose older siblings go to preschool, it may be wise to keep the older child home from preschool for a few weeks to reduce the risk of infecting the little sibling with RS virus.

We know that many babies are infected by their older siblings, says Elda Sparrelid, chief physician in the Stockholm Region in a press release.

The region makes the following recommendations:

• Limit the circle of adults who are close to the child.

  Families with infants under the age of six months are advised to avoid contact with people with colds.

• Staying in cramped spaces, for example in shops or on public transport with a lot of people, should be avoided.

  The child can, for example, accompany them to the shopping center but remain in the pram, where the child is protected from close contacts.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer.

• Preschool children with infants at home should, if possible, not go to preschool during the current situation.

  In cases where a stay in preschool is still considered important, the older sibling should learn to maintain good hand hygiene in contact with the infant.

• Older children with cold symptoms should always avoid physical contact with infants.

  It's hard to keep a little snotty big sibling away from the baby but try to prevent hugs and kisses.

Previously, Västra Götaland and Uppsala, among others, have also recommended parents to keep siblings at home from preschool.

The reason why many people become ill with RS virus right now is because it has not circulated in society for almost two years, according to chief physician Malin Ryd Rinder.

In the clip, she tells more about the spread of infection and its consequences.

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For so long, the chief physician believes that pediatric care will be affected by the RS virus.

Photo: Jasmine Gestblom / SVT