Toddler fights for life in Adelaide hospital with RSV

With more than 400 cases reported this week, little Olivia is the latest to be hit with a potentially deadly respiratory infection.

Adelaide toddler Olivia Teague is fighting for life in ICU after contracting RSV. Pictured as a newborn with sister Hannah, 17, mum Zoe, dad Jamie Teague, and sister Clare, 13. Picture: Supplied

At 21 months old, Olivia is bright, bubbly, and full of joy. But instead of running around like other toddlers, she’s spent the past week fighting for her life in the ICU.

She had been battling a cold, pneumonia and apparent influenza for several weeks before her condition suddenly worsened.

Last week she was rushed to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, struggling to breathe with fevers soaring above 40C.

It was there that she tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common infection in the lungs and airways that can be devastating for young children.

Northern suburbs toddler Olivia Teague is fighting for live after contracting RSV. Picture: Supplied

Olivia is usually full of life. Picture: Supplied

Two days later – on Saturday – her condition rapidly deteriorated and she was diagnosed with viral pneumonia in both lungs, along with multiple bacterial infections.

She was moved to the ICU and placed on a ventilator where she has remained since.

“It’s been scary (thinking) is she going to make it?” her older sister Hannah, 17, said.

“It’s just so devastating seeing my little sister in ICU on a ventilator.

“As well as seeing her so flat, she can’t talk or even hold our hands.”

Olivia is in a critical but stable condition and expected to remain in hospital for another month.

“Her lungs haven’t been working properly. Some days, her oxygen will be at 50 per cent, which is pretty good. Then she’s back on 100 because she’s just struggling so much,” Hannah said.

“They can’t give a timeline of how long she’ll be in ICU under a ventilator but they said she will be in hospital for a month and a bit.”

She loves being outside and playing with her older sister’s make up. Picture: Supplied

Olivia has a long road to recovery ahead, her old sister says. Picture: Supplied

RSV is the most common cause of respiratory infections in children with almost all unprotected children infected at least once by age two.

Most common during the colder months, it causes cold-like symptoms including fever, runny nose, cough, and sore throat.

The virus can have devastating effects on newborns, resulting in bronchiolitis and pneumonia, also impacting breathing and feeding.

In severe cases, it can lead to heart complications and be fatal.

Almost 2,000 babies contracted RSV last year across the state, with 350 hospitalised.

Just this week, 434 new cases were reported, according to SA Health.

Since February, pregnant women between 28-36 weeks qualify for a free RSV vaccine, along with unvaccinated babies up to eight months and high-risk children under two.

But sadly Olivia and her mum Zoe Medlen weren’t eligible, Hannah said.

Her loving parents haven’t left her side once. Picture: Supplied

Ms Medlen and Olivia’s father Jamie Teague have barely left their daughter’s side, with Mr Teague losing his job and Ms Medlen unable to work.

With a long and uncertain road of recovery ahead, her family has started a GoFundMe to raise funds and awareness.

“Mum’s main concerns were why wasn’t she eligible (for the vaccination). Olivia may have still gotten sick but it wouldn’t be this bad,” Hannah said.

An SA Health spokesperson told The Advertiser RSV vaccination is available to “those at highest risk of severe illness”.

“This is consistent across the country,” she said.

You can support the family here.

Originally published as Toddler fights for life in Adelaide hospital with RSV