Quick access Advice & Guidance is available from UCLH respiratory consultants during the COVID-19 outbreak:
t: via hospital switchboard 020 3456 7890 (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm)

Out of hours cover will be provided by the duty medical registrar:
t: 020 3456 7890 bleep 4301

Latest guidance on bronchiolitis and lower respiratory tract infections in children

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the common viruses that can cause coughs and colds in winter. RSV usually causes mild respiratory infection in adults and children, but can be severe in infants who are at increased risk of acute lower respiratory tract infection. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children aged under two years.

A significant RSV surge is expected in the coming months (July 2022), potentially starting in August and continuing through autumn and winter. This is likely to cause an increase in presentations of bronchiolitis in primary and secondary care, and work is being carried out rapidly to try and address the anticipated increase in unwell children requiring hospital care. It is also likely to coincide with a possible third wave of COVID-19 infections.

The guidance listed below is available to support primary care clinicians, and secondary care colleagues are always available for advice on an acutely unwell child (see contact details for NCL trusts, below).

• NHS Healthier Together management tool for children younger than one year old with suspected bronchiolitis
• NHS Healthier Together cough/breathlessness pathway for children older than one year
• NICE guidance on bronchiolitis in children
• RSV (and rashes) webinar by Dr Justin Daniels, Consultant Paediatrician NMUH
• Health advice for parents and carers
• NCL paediatric respiratory masterclass.