At the moment, RS viruses are appearing more and more, which can lead to serious respiratory infections, especially in young children. The situation in hospitals is already tense. What are the first signs and how to treat the disease.
AUSTRIA. Cough, rapid breathing, drinking problems: The RS virus, respiratory syncytial virus, is a respiratory illness that manifests itself with symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and fever. Younger children, in particular, have narrower airways, which makes them more susceptible to bronchitis and more serious infections. According to experts, this year’s wave is particularly strong, in Vienna a particularly large number of children already need to be treated in hospitals.
“It’s a respiratory disease that can be particularly dangerous for children under one year old,” explained Herbert Kurz, head of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine at the Donaustadt Clinic. While adults usually suffer with cold symptoms for a few days, infants and young children need to be admitted to the hospital. “This means that children’s beds in hospitals are extremely busy in Vienna,” explained the pediatrician. In the Donaustadt clinic, for example, there are 32 beds that are usually available for children with infectious diseases are standing, 27 babies with RS virus, only two beds are still free today.” A similar picture is shown throughout Europe and North America North.
Parents should be aware of this
The RS virus itself is a completely normal respiratory virus that has always existed and has caused influenza infections in all age groups. But until now there was no awareness of it. In addition, measures against the corona pandemic have changed the pattern of occurrence of other viruses. While the wave of RSV completely failed in the first year of the pandemic, in 2021 it came earlier than usual in September, and this year there is an exceptionally strong wave”, explained Kurz. That is why it is important to recognize the first symptoms, the doctor emphasized “These are heavy runny nose with clear, glassy nasal discharge and cough. Often these children do not have or do not have a high fever. A warning sign is more likely if they struggle to drink or breathe,” Kurz explained. In these cases, children should go to the pediatrician or clinic immediately.
The younger the children – babies are most at risk in the first few weeks and months – the more severe the stroke can be. The doctor advises not to meet with many people and avoid crowds as much as possible. “Adults and children from 6 months of age should also be vaccinated against real flu. A joint occurrence of RS virus and flu would represent an additional burden for affected children and also for children’s departments”, warned Kurz.
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