Many girls and boys are currently struggling with respiratory infections. The pathogen RSV (RS virus) can be particularly dangerous for babies. Dozens of clinics can no longer accept small patients, pediatricians report. They see political failures. ( dpa )

Wave of infections with RS viruses! Many cases of respiratory disease in children's hospitals. What’s behind it and what parents should consider.

Fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat – many babies and toddlers are currently lying in bed with an infection. The trigger is often the so-called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Private lecturer Dr. Martin Wetzke, senior physician at the Clinic for Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Neonatology .

What is behind the RS virus?

Dr. Martin Wetzke: The RS virus is actually an old friend. It causes respiratory infections in people of all ages during the cold season. Normally, most people experience at least one infection with the pathogen in the first two years of life. Over the course of their lives, they become infected again and again and thus train their immune system. While the infection often only manifests itself as a small cold in older children and adults, RSV can lead to serious respiratory diseases and even pneumonia in some otherwise completely healthy infants and small children. Babies with previous illnesses such as heart defects or children born extremely prematurely are particularly at risk.

Last year the RS virus appeared unusually early. What is the situation currently?

Dr. Martin Wetzke: This year we are also observing an unusually early season, but this year we are also seeing an increased number of sick children with RSV in clinics and practices. Many clinics are reaching the limits of their admission capacity. This is not only due to the high number of cases, but often also to the lack of capacity in the clinics. There is a lack of nursing staff, so not all beds can be operated.

What is the reason for the renewed strong wave of infections?

Dr. Martin Wetzke: The corona pandemic plays a role. Due to the mask requirement, distance requirements and lockdowns, significantly fewer people became infected with the RS virus during this time and were therefore unable to build up immunity or boost their immunity. With the relaxation of the Corona measures, the virus can then affect significantly more unprotected people and spread rapidly.

So there is a noticeable catch-up effect...

Dr. Martin Wetzke: Yes. This effect certainly relates to the number of cases. Infections that would otherwise have spread over several years are now concentrated. It is not yet possible to say whether the infections will be more severe this year; we are currently looking into this in an epidemiological study.

What would have happened without Corona measures regarding RSV infections?

Dr. Martin Wetzke: In absolute terms, just as many children would probably have been infected, just more evenly distributed over time. A subsequent infection does not harm the immune system; it still learns and builds up immune protection. The situation is somewhat different with newborns. Because of the lack of their own antibodies against RSV, pregnant women were hardly able to pass on immunity to the unborn child. And breastfeeding mothers were unable to pass on enough immunity to their newborns through breast milk. The fewer maternal RSV antibodies newborns get during pregnancy, the more susceptible they are to a severe course of the RSV infection.

How do you treat the affected children on the ward?

Dr. Martin Wetzke: A major problem in the treatment of children with RSV is that there is no specific therapy. We doctors can only provide supportive treatment: if necessary, the children receive oxygen or help breathing. We also pay attention to sufficient fluid intake. Because if children have difficulty breathing, they are often no longer able to drink independently. In the vast majority of cases, the children are cared for in the normal ward. Care in the intensive care unit is only necessary in rare cases.

What should parents pay attention to? What symptoms should you and your children see a doctor for?

Dr. Martin Wetzke: An infant with signs of a respiratory infection and fever should always be seen by a pediatrician. If breathing is significantly more difficult and faster, you may want to go to an emergency room outside of normal opening hours. The same applies if children no longer drink enough due to a respiratory infection.

Are infections with RS viruses also the subject of research at the MHH?

Dr. Martin Wetzke: Yes, there are various scientific projects on this. RESIST Cluster of Excellence we are looking for factors, for example in the genome, that promote and predict serious illness. If we had reliable evidence of a severe course, we could immunize the children as a preventive measure. The second project is the multicenter PAPI study in collaboration with the CAPNETZ Foundation. Scientists systematically collect data on the frequency, course and pathogens of respiratory diseases in infants and small children over three winter months. The study also collects concrete facts and figures about RSV infections.

source

German Health Portal
Video and article image: DPA

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