8th December 2025
With increasing cases of common winter bugs and viruses circulating in the community, the Southern Trust is offering parents and carers some useful health care advice.
The paediatric team is sharing information on how to recognise and deal with common childhood symptoms and the Trust will be sharing tips across social media pages.
Dr Julie Lewis, Consultant Paediatrician says: “At this time of year children’s wards are often full of babies with RSV. RSV can develop into bronchiolitis, a severe lung infection, which is dangerous in babies and can lead to them needing intensive care treatment. Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for babies being admitted to hospital – responsible for one in six admissions.
“We are delighted that there is now a vaccine for pregnant women to protect their babies from RSV, available after 28 weeks. By getting the RSV vaccine more than two weeks pre birth, a Scottish study has shown a 72% reduction in babies being admitted with RSV bronchiolitis. Flu and whooping cough vaccines in pregnancy will also protect your baby.
“Vaccination remains one of the safest, most effective ways to prevent serious illness and protect vulnerable groups, like infants from critical consequences. I urge all pregnant women and parents to avail of vaccination programmes offered, which are vital to protecting mothers and children from an early age.
“It can be difficult to know when your child needs to see a health professional, and how sick is too sick. Symptom checker is a useful resource.
“Also familiarise yourself with trusted websites like NIDirect, Healthier Together or the Southern Trust where you can find sound information on common symptoms like rashes, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting and download the BabyCheck APP from the Lullaby Trust.
“For urgent but not life threatening symptoms you can call the Phone First service who will direct you to the most suitable service. Most importantly – if you feel your child has very serious symptoms, that cannot wait, please do not delay in bringing them to either Daisy Hill Hospital or Craigavon Area Hospital emergency departments where we have a paediatric team 24/7 or call 999 if you think they have an immediately life threatening condition.”
Phone First – before going to Craigavon or Daisy Hill Emergency Departments or South Tyrone Minor Injuries Unit with urgent but not life threatening symptoms. 0300 123 3111. Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
For further information:
Antenatal vaccinations available | Southern Health & Social Care Trust
https://belfasttrust.hscni.net/hospitals/childrens/childrens-symptom-checker/
A to Z illnesses and conditions/symptom search | nidirect
Health Visitors :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)
Birth to five | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/baby-check-2015.pdf