Alder Hey Children's Hospital has issued a warning to parents over a virus that is being seen more commonly in children.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common seasonal winter virus which causes coughs and colds and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children aged two and under.
Most cases are not serious and clear up with a few weeks, but RSV can be more severe in premature babies, babies under two months and vulnerable infants with certain underlying conditions (such as born prematurely, born with a heart condition or respiratory illness), that increase their risk of acute lower respiratory tract infection.
Read more: Liverpool doctor says young patients who 'waited to get vaccine' are now in critical care
In a tweet today, Alder Hey Children's Hospital said: "RSV is a common virus causing colds and coughs but can be more severe in some children.
"Right now cases are higher than usual for this time of year as Covid-19 restrictions ease and children mix more."
The hospital account then linked to some practical information and advice from Public Health England about RSV for parents.
According to PHE, good respiratory and hand hygiene can reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.
Parents are advised to carry tissues and use them to catch coughs or sneezes, bin used tissues as soon as possible and wash hands with soap and warm water to kill germs.
Parents and carers also advised to keep children with flu of bronchiolitis symptoms at home and reduce contacts where possible.
The PHE advice said parents should dial 999 for an ambulance if their baby is having difficulty breathing, their baby's tongue or lips are blue or if there are long pauses in a baby's breathing.
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