'I'd heard of it, but I didn't know it could be this bad'

What started as just a basic cold quickly turned nasty for three-month-old Xavier.

When Megan’s three-month-old son developed a blocked nose, she didn’t think much of it.

As it was coming into winter, she assumed Xavier had just come down with a cold, a very common thing for a three-month-old.

However, Xavier’s mild symptoms eventually deteriorated into a nasty cough and wheeze, which prompted Megan to take him to her GP.

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While the GP wasn’t initially concerned, he did tell Megan to be on the lookout for signs of respiratory distress.

Specifically, he mentioned an indentation at the base of the throat, a tidbit that potentially saved Xavier’s life.

RELATED: NSW infants are now eligible for free RSV vaccine

Xavier spent five nights in hospital after catching RSV and Covid-19. Picture: Supplied

"I had no idea it could be so severe"

The next morning, Megan woke up and saw the same indentation her doctor had mentioned, and with Xavier’s wheeze getting worse, the family went straight to the hospital.

Xavier would be diagnosed with both RSV and Covid-19.

“It was horrible seeing your baby cry that much,” Megan said. “He was so distressed.”

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Xavier was admitted to hospital, and ended up spending five nights on a ward while he recovered.

“When he finally started to improve, the feeling of relief was indescribable,” Megan said.

“I had heard of RSV, but I had no idea it could be so severe. I assumed it was like a cold - it was anything but a cold for Xavier.”

RELATED: 'My boy got so sick his development was delayed'

Mum Megan said it was a 'relief' when her son started to recover in hospital. Picture: Supplied

"The small airways in the lungs close down"

Megan is sharing her story for RSV Awareness Week, which starts June 2.

RSV is one of the most common respiratory problems in Australian children, and is most common in autumn and winter.

“RSV, for most people, will be experienced like a common cold,” Dr Sam Hay told Kidspot.

“Milder aches and pains, with lots of runny noses and maybe a cough.

“What sets it apart from the common cold is that our babies can be very susceptible - it can be a life-threatening illness.

“The small airways in the lungs close down and fill with mucous.”

RELATED: Doctors put it down to my newborn being bottle-fed, she went floppy & turned blue

Megan with her son Xavier. Picture: Supplied

"RSV could be devastating"

Dr Hay said the easiest way to protect both your kids was to stay away from them while you were sick.

“My big message to anyone with a cold is to stay away from young kids,” he said.

“You don’t know if you’ve got RSV, which could be devastating.”

Originally published as 'I'd heard of it, but I didn't know it could be this bad'