RSV linked to asthma in Australian children [Video]

Health experts are concerned that surging cases of respiratory syncytial virus in children will create a new wave of asthma sufferers in Australia, with infections in the first half of 2024 nearing the number for all of last year.

While the virus, known as RSV, can cause short-term symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, wheezing, breathing difficulties and fever, it has also been strongly linked to the onset of asthma in children who would otherwise not develop the chronic condition.

Asthma Australia medical adviser and respiratory physician Professor John Blakey said the highly contagious virus was estimated to be responsible for the development of up to 22 per cent of asthma cases in children under five. The infection is also linked to up …