A cold-like illness similar to COVID-19 is sweeping through Ipswich childcare centres, workplaces and aged care homes. The number of children presenting with a respiratory condition called respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, has increased in public hospitals and emergency departments. Public health physician at Queensland Health, Doctor Rosie Muller says RSV is the most common cause of breathing and respiratory infections. By the 5th week of this year a Sullivan Nicolaides report showed 700 people were testing positive for respiratory viruses.