With potential winter rises in Covid-19 dominating recent headlines, Dr Hilary warned this morning's viewers of GMB of another viral threat that needs equal consideration.
He reported that RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is also on the rise: "We are hearing many more reports of extended colds, frequent colds and colds."
RSV is a very common respiratory virus that tends to cause mild cold-like symptoms.
As reported in the Express, Dr Hilary warned that, as the weather becomes colder, people tend to flock closer together physically. The lifting of Coronavirus restrictions had also meant that more and more people are sharing the same spaces, causing high numbers of RSV transmission cases.
Dr Hilary pointed out that because there is "no vaccine [for RSV] at the present time", the situation will pose a severe threat to the NHS.
"Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults," warns the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC have also warned the public that the virus is the most common cause of pneumonia, as well as bronchiolitis.
Bronchiolitis is the inflammation of the small airways in the lungs and is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects mostly babies and young children.
Those who have come into contact with RSV usually demonstrate symptoms within four to six days.
Symptoms often include a runny nose, a reduced appetite, coughing and sneezing, as well as fever and wheezing. The CDC warn: "these symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.
"In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties."
The Mayo Clinic have also issued a warning that in the most severe of RSV cases however, the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, which can cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
This type of infection can cause more severe symptoms, including fever, a severe cough, wheezing, rapid breath or difficulty breathing, and a blue-ish discolouration of the skin which is caused by a lack of oxygen.
Being that they are both respiratory viruses, the clinic also point out that RSV and Coronavirus will display many of the same symptoms.
"In children, COVID-19 often results in mild symptoms such as fever, runny nose and cough," the health body warned. "These infections may occur together, which can worsen the severity of COVID-19 illness."
"If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, your doctor may recommend testing for COVID-19.
"Seek immediate medical attention if your child — or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection — has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue colour to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds."
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