An overview from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows a sharp increase in infections in children aged 1 to 4 years, writes The mirror.
In September, 60-70 children at this age are usually admitted to hospital with serious RS infections, but this year there are twice as many. Many children’s wards are already full, according to the newspaper.
– Can get many sick
Experts now expect a further increase.
– Unfortunately, there is a problem at the moment. We have slightly more sick children than normal at this time, and fewer and fewer beds in the pediatric wards due to the lack of staff, says pediatrician Jakob Maske, who also heads the pediatric association in Germany, to Der Spiegel.
Increasing in Norway
On Friday, FHI announced that there has also been an increase in cases of RS virus in Norway in recent weeks. The increase also comes to this country earlier than normal.
RS virus is an abbreviation for respiratory syncytial virus, and is a virus that causes respiratory infections in children and adults. Outbreaks of RS virus usually occur from November to May.
In week 38, 135 positive samples were registered. Three weeks earlier, 36 cases were registered, FHI stated in one press release.
– The increase in respiratory symptoms is seen especially among children and adults up to the age of 40, which fits well with the fact that it is children and their parents who become ill, said FHI chief physician Margrethe Greve-Isdahl.
Most cases have been detected in children under 5 years of age.
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Worried about bigger wave
Most children are exposed to respiratory infections, such as the common cold virus, every year. However, the corona pandemic and the strict infection control measures led to very few people being infected with the respiratory virus last autumn and winter. This means that few children have been exposed to the viruses, and thus lack immunity.
FHI therefore expects a larger wave of respiratory infections in children than normal in the coming months.
The factor that can prevent colds
The department reported already this summer that they were concerned about increased incidence, following reports of this from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and other Scandinavian countries.
According to FHI, during a normal winter season, there are between 1,000 and 2,000 admissions of children with RS virus in Norwegian hospitals. For most people who become infected, the infection degenerates into a common cold. However, some people can get a more serious respiratory infection, called bronchiolitis, and need hospitalization. The disease can be most serious for the very young.
