Parents are being urged to look out for symptoms of a common viral infection that affects one in three children under two.

NHS Greater Manchester has issued advice on how to spot, treat, and prevent bronchiolitis after a rise in cases across the city region.

Bronchiolitis, which is most widespread during the winter months, initially presents symptoms similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and cough.

Other symptoms include a fever, dry persistent cough, taking a long time to feed, dry nappies, and wheezing.

The virus usually clears within two weeks without the need for further treatment.

In most cases, bronchiolitis can be treated at home by giving fluids little and often, keeping the baby cool and in a well-aired room, and administering infant paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve symptoms.

However, a small number of babies, particularly those born prematurely or with an underlying health condition, may need to go to hospital if they become seriously unwell.

Parents are advised to contact their GP or call NHS 111 if they are worried about their child.

Professor Manisha Kumar, chief medical officer, said: "Bronchiolitis is on the rise, so we hope that by making people aware of the virus that mothers-to-be, parents, carers, family and friends will know what to look out for and when is the right time to seek medical help.

"We also hope it will provide reassurance that it is a common illness that, in most cases, is relatively easy to treat at home without any need for concern.

"By knowing the symptoms, treatment and simple ways to prevent it – it will help keep the youngest members of the family well, stop the virus spreading and provide you with peace of mind."

There are several steps that families and friends can take to help reduce the chances of young children getting or spreading the virus.

These include everyone washing their hands before cuddling or passing something to the baby or child, wiping toys, doors, handles and surfaces around the house frequently, and keeping children who are poorly at home until their symptoms ease.

Pregnant women can help protect their unborn babies by getting the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine at more than 28 weeks.

RSV is a major cause of bronchiolitis, as well as pneumonia, so by getting the jab when pregnant, parents-to-be can help prevent their babies from getting it when they are born.

Parents are advised to make same-day contact with 111 or their GP if the young child is feeding less than half their normal intake, is paler than normal, is producing less than two wet nappies a day, or has a high temperature of 38.5 degrees or above, or above 38 degrees if under three months.

Urgent help from 999 or A&E should be sought if the child has blueish lips, is unresponsive, is very irritable, is working harder to breathe, or displays long pauses in breathing (over 10 seconds).

For more information about bronchiolitis, visit the Greater Manchester Integrated Care website.

For information about RSV and the vaccine, visit the NHS website.