28/02/2026
This past week has been one of the hardest weeks we’ve ever faced as parents.
Last Saturday night our happy, cheeky 10-month-old suddenly became unwell. A fever, vomiting, and a night with almost no sleep or fluids. By Sunday morning he was irritable and his breathing didn’t look right — that deep, laboured effort that makes your stomach drop as a parent.
By lunchtime Sunday, we were at Kingaroy Hospital. The doctors were incredible and thorough, but as the afternoon went on, his breathing worsened. A cannula was placed to get fluids into him, and we stayed overnight in Emergency watching every breath.
Monday morning brought answers we didn’t want — RSV positive. Then came the NG tube, IV antibiotics, and the moment that really shook us… he became lethargic, exhausted, and was working so hard just to breathe. A chest X-ray confirmed pneumonia as well. He was placed on high-flow oxygen support, and soon after, the decision was made to transfer him by helicopter to Toowoomba Hospital for specialist paediatric care.
Watching your baby fly away in a helicopter is something no parent is ever prepared for.
Tuesday was much the same — machines helping him breathe, tubes helping him eat, and us hoping and waiting.
Wednesday morning gave us hope. He came off the high-flow oxygen, and later the tubes came out. He looked better… but RSV isn’t linear.
Thursday was another setback. He was lethargic again, barely drinking, and the NG tube went back in. A small highlight in a hard day — his first bit of excitement was a lemonade ice block.
Friday finally brought a real turn. He started drinking more on his own, the NG tube came out again, his nappies were wet, and he even ate dinner. Seeing that spark come back into his eyes felt like the greatest gift.
And Saturday… we got to go home.
We are beyond grateful — to the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for him so closely, to our family who dropped everything to support us, to our caring and patient big boy who was checking in on his sick baby brother. We love you all!
RSV is no joke. It’s terrifying how fast it can take over such a tiny body. Hug your babies a little tighter tonight 🤍
