The NHS are preparing for a rise in respiratory problems in young children this winter.

Public Health England have said preparations have already begun for an expected increase in children suffering from respiratory illnesses.

Colds and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common among young children and peak every winter however last year, due to restrictions brought in to stop the spread of covid, many children may not have developed the immunity to these illnesses.

As such it is expected there may be an increase in the number of infections this year and there has already been a rise in out-of-season cases, data from PHE shows.

Parents are being encouraged to look out for symptoms of more severe infections, such as high temperature, dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding and rapid or noisy breathing.

Dr Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England South West, said: “This winter, we expect levels of common seasonal illnesses such as cold and flu to increase as people mix more and given that fewer people will have built up natural immunity during the pandemic.

“Children under two are at a particular risk of severe infections from common seasonal illnesses. If a child under two is suffering from a cold, keep a close eye on their symptoms.

“It’s important that we carry on with good hygiene habits that we’ve become used to during the pandemic, in order to protect ourselves and those around us.”

For many children these illnesses will be nothing to serious however, RSV can be particularly dangerous for children under two who were born prematurely or who have heart conditions and can lead to bronchiolitis.

Health Minister, Lord James Bethell said: “I remember the long nights in hospital when my eight-week-old daughter fought off RSV.

“The image of her tiny body plugged into those machines and gasping for air will not leave me. I would not wish those moments for anyone.”

NHS England began planning for a potential rise in respiratory infections in April 2021 with usual winter planning being brought forward to combat the early rise.

The preventative medicine palivizumab will be made available earlier and more widely for children at risk.