Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV usually causes a cold, but can cause severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia in young babies, vulnerable children, older people and people with heart, lung or immune problems. Pauses in breathing, blue lips or being unable to wake someone is an immediate emergency.

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RSV usually causes a cold, but can cause severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia in young babies, vulnerable children, older people and people with heart, lung or immune problems. Pauses in breathing, blue lips or being unable to wake someone is an immediate emergency.

  • A runny or blocked nose, cough, sneezing, mild fever and reduced appetite.
  • Wheezing, faster breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils or the skin pulling in between the ribs.
  • Offer small amounts to drink more often, and count wet nappies or toilet visits.
  • Gently clear the nose before feeding; do not use aggressive deep suction at home.
  • Call the same day if a baby drinks noticeably less, passes less urine or breathes faster.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Whooping coughWhooping cough is an infectious respiratory illness that often starts like an ordinary cold and can later cause severe coughing fits. Young babies in particular are at risk of serious symptoms, including pauses in breathing, turning blue and exhaustion. It spreads through coughing and sneezing, often before it is clear that the illness is whooping cough. Vaccination, including during pregnancy, helps protect babies but does not completely prevent illness.
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FluFlu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus. It often starts suddenly with fever or chills, muscle pain, headache, tiredness and a dry cough. Most healthy people recover at home, but flu can be severe in young children, older people, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions. In Curaçao, dengue and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms; warning signs and people at higher risk need timely assessment.
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CroupCroup is usually a viral infection that causes swelling around the voice box in young children. A barking cough and hoarseness are typical; stridor at rest, chest retractions, blue lips, drooling or exhaustion need immediate medical assessment.