Trial begins on vaccine for deadly respiratory virus in babies

While her sister had mild symptoms, Ebony, who was eight weeks old at the time late last year, reacted badly, developing bronchiolitis and needing to be hospitalised for three days.

Ms Mead said she could not believe how quickly the disease progressed.

“It was so scary, we had to call the ambulance because she wasn’t breathing properly,” she said.

“She had a nasal tube to help her feed, and then to be told she was getting better and we could go home was just amazing.”

Symptoms of RSV are similar to flu, with severe symptoms including lung inflammation and pneumonia.

No vaccine is available to prevent it, with about 100,000 people dying globally each year…