A strong wave of RS virus is currently spreading across Austria. Infections are potentially fatal for infants and the elderly.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are currently leading to an increasing number of illnesses and hospital admissions, especially among young children and the elderly. “It is no longer a curve, but the values go up vertically”, said emergency physician Florian Hoffmann to “Bild”.
Infections can occur without symptoms, with mild respiratory infections or a severe illness of the lower respiratory tract, in which those affected also need to be artificially ventilated. Doctors assume that RSV is indirectly fueled by Corona and lockdowns: the general population has now become more susceptible to the virus, which is why RSV has started to circulate more strongly again this year.
This is how you recognize an RSV infection
It is not easy to distinguish RS infection from other respiratory infections. The virus often causes cold-like symptoms. Runny nose, dry cough, sneezing, sore throat, lack of strength, lack of hunger and thirst.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a In all world widespread pathogen of acute upper and lower respiratory tract illnesses in all ages and one of the most important pathogens of respiratory infections in infants, especially premature infants and young children.
“If a small child obviously has difficulty breathing, breathes quickly and has wheezing noises, especially when exhaling, these are alarm signals”, explains pediatrician Ulrich Fegeler to “Focus”. Wheezing means there is a hissing, crackling, or hissing sound when you breathe. In addition, the child may refuse food, drink or vomit.
According to experts, RSV infection can lead to bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small bronchi. The mucous membranes then swell and mucus forms, which makes it difficult for the child to breathe. Even pneumonia is possible.
Vaccination in approval phase
So far there is no vaccine against it. British pharmaceutical company Glaxo-Smithkline (GSK), on the other hand, has only recently given hope for the first approval of an RSV vaccination for adults/seniors with positive study results. The company has developed a vaccine for this age group that has proven itself in clinical studies and is being examined for approval by the European Medicines Agency EMA.
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