Germany's RSV Tide is Upon Us: Brace for Sickness Waves
The German terrain may appear tranquil, but health experts forewarn of impending illness tidal waves. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the RSV disruptive wave has kicked off.
RSV is an acronym for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It targets the respiratory system, primarily the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, trachea, and bronchi.
Babies at Risk
The RKI marks the commencement of the wave to the week commencing November 20. During that week, the number of cases doubled from 4 to 16. In their weekly report on acute respiratory diseases, experts stress that the youngest are most commonly afflicted. The course of the sickness is frequently severe, necessitating hospital treatment.
We recollect the RSV tidal wave of the 2022/23 winter season, when emergency physicians described the circumstances as "apocalyptic." In the final quarter of the prior year, the number of infant RSV infections was five times higher than in the same period of 2018. Approximately 17,000 hospitalized infants suffered RSV-related pneumonia.
Simultaneously, many individuals harbor the coronavirus and rhinoviruses (common cold) primarily. However, no indications of a flu epidemic are evident as yet.
RSV Symptoms in Children
Children's ailments owing to RSV viruses manifest with the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
No specific medication exists for the virus. Consequently, only symptoms can be treated. As is often the case with unwell children, it boils down to "wait and observe." The infection generally subsides within three to twelve days.
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- Parents should maintain heightened vigilance over their baby during this season, as young children are particularly susceptible to RSV infections, which can result in severe sickness and hospitalization.
- Despite the escalating RSV cases and ongoing coronavirus and rhinovirus infections, no signs of a flu epidemic appear as yet.
- As a counselor, I urge taking necessary precautions to safeguard children from these viruses, such as frequent handwashing and ensuring proper ventilation of indoor spaces.
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- The parents should adhere to good hygiene practices to prevent RSV illnesses in young children. Regular hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol is essential. Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, such as door handles and countertops, is also crucial.
- Proper handwashing techniques should be taught to children for effective illness prevention.
- For children under 5 years old with pre-existing conditions, passive immunization is recommended to protect against severe RSV disease. However, specific vaccination recommendations may vary based on age and health.
- Elderly individuals over 60 with chronic conditions should consider RSV vaccination to minimize the risk of severe illness.
- Consider supplementing children's diets with nutritional supplements, such as vitamin D, to support their immunity during high-risk viral infection periods.
- Be particularly attentive to children's symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, and seek medical advice promptly if they appear. RSV infections can escalate to severe illnesses like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
- Implement infection control measures, particularly in households with young children or elderly individuals, to minimize the risk of infection.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020, January 2). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infections. Retrieved from
[2] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, December 4). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Retrieved from
[3] RSV Protect. (n.d.). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Children. Retrieved from
[4] World Health Organization (WHO). (2021, November 23). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Retrieved from
