Flu Alert: Winter Misery Rolls On! 😷
Germany's struggling to keep up!
Germany's battling with a surge in flu cases compared to recent weeks, bumping up by 38%. That's 648 cases, but still only making up a small portion of the total infections.
A whopping 25% of infections right now can be traced back to SARS-CoV-2. But that's not all - germs have been spreading like wildfire! Children, in particular, have been falling sick with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This cold-like virus can quickly escalate into severe respiratory infections, especially affecting our little ones.
Is this a sign of an impending flu epidemic?
Dr. Martin Karsten, a Berlin-based pediatrician, sees the red flag. He warns of a possible severe flu epidemic coming our way by Christmas. "Flu is no joke, especially for children who can act as superspreaders," he says. He advocates for children getting their annual flu vaccines not just to protect themselves but also to boost their weakened immune systems through the harsh winter months.
Multiple Viruses in Circulation
Let's chat a little about some of these viruses that are ruling the roost:
▶︎ Rhinoviruses are our notorious cold-causing companions. They show up 24 to 72 hours after exposure, causing a runny nose, sore throat, and blocked sinuses. Even ear infections and sinusitis are on their hit list.
▶︎ Parainfluenza virus takes the second spot in the parade of winter illnesses. Not only can it lead to cold symptoms, but it can also cause laryngitis and leave vocal cords red and swollen.
▶︎ Adenoviruses are the ultimate wildcards. They can give us cold symptoms, but they also cause eye infections and gastrointestinal infections. You might think you're dealing with a run-of-the-mill cold, but adenovirus infections can cause a wide range of symptoms.
Related Reads:
- With an increase in flu cases, vaccinating children is crucial. During cold and flu season, their immune systems can dip, leading to severe illness.
- The German authorities, specifically the Robert Koch Institute, confirm the ongoing circulation of flu-causing viruses like the flu, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza throughout the country.
- The current flu season is causing a rise in flu-like symptoms, with 38% of the total infections in Germany being flu-related. This is also in line with the reported rise in respiratory infections among children.
- As we navigate the wave of these viruses, children are at the forefront. The flu, RSV, and common cold viruses can lead to severe illnesses, especially taking into account the post-COVID landscape.
