Parents are being urged to have their babies take part in a new study on a cold-like virus.

The new study needs babies from across Sussex to take part in research on a virus which is the UK’s leading cause of infant hospitalisation.

In recent months, there has been a resurgence of a cold-like illness called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), following the easing of Covid-19 public health measures.

RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in all infants worldwide and affects 90 per cent of children before the age of two.

RSV often causes only mild illnesses, like a cold. But for some babies, it leads to more severe lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The new study is looking at how babies can be protected from serious illness due to RSV infection.

“This study is a vital study looking into whether a new drug, nirsevimab, will significantly reduce the number of babies with RSV bronchiolitis needing to be admitted to hospital,” said Dr Aung Soe, neonatal speciality lead for the national institute for health and care research clinical research network, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

“We hope that parents will engage with this trial as RSV is a common seasonal virus that infects nearly all babies by their second birthday.

“Most of the time it causes a mild illness but for some babies it leads to more severe lung problems and requires being admitted to hospital.”

Babies will be given a single dose of an immunisation called nirsevimab.

Samantha Short’s nine-month-old baby Jack is taking part in the study at Medway NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: “It's great to be involved in research that might help more babies in the future,

"Being on the study has reassured me that Jack will be protected from RSV this winter as he received the injection and I did not hesitate in enrolling in this study."

The study is open to newborn babies, and babies who are up to 12 months old.

The study will last approximately 12 months and includes a single in person visit, with entirely virtual follow up visits.

Those interested in taking part can visit the website at: rsvharmoniestudy.com