RSV Warning from the RKI: Prepare for the Virus Wave
Germany might have weathered the first wave, but it's time to brace for the bigger ones. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), we're now facing the wave of RSV infections.
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It affects the respiratory tract, particularly the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract, trachea, and bronchi.
Watch Out for the Youngest
RKI traced the wave back to the week starting November 20. During that week, RSV cases shot up from 4 to 17. In their recent report on acute respiratory diseases, the experts warn that young children are often the most affected. It's common for the course of the disease to be severe, requiring hospital treatment.
We go back to the RSV wave during the winter of 2022/23, when emergency doctors described the situation as "catastrophic." During the last quarter of that year, infant infections were five times higher than in the same period in 2018. Around 17,000 babies required hospital treatment for RSV-related pneumonia.
Besides the increasing RSV cases, many people are currently dealing with coronavirus and rhinovirus (common cold) infections. But there's no sign of a flu epidemic yet.
Common RSV Symptoms in Children
An RSV infection in children usually manifests as:
- Runny nose
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
There isn’t a specific medication for the virus, so treatment mainly involves managing the symptoms. It's just a matter of "wait and see," as the infection generally lasts for 3 to 12 days.
Additional Reading
- Parents must be extra careful with their babies during this season due to the increased risk of RSV infections.
- While there's an increase in RSV cases, coronavirus, and rhinovirus infections, there's no sign of a flu epidemic yet.
- As an advisor, I suggest taking necessary precautions to protect children, such as frequent handwashing and maintaining good indoor ventilation.
Source:
Enrichment Insights:
RSV, coronavirus, and rhinovirus infections are common respiratory illnesses affecting children, especially during winter seasons. Vaccines are available for high-risk infants, such as those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions.
RSV
Transmission: Spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces Prevention: Frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, environmental cleaning, and vaccination for high-risk infants
Coronavirus (including COVID-19)
Transmission: Shed through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes Prevention: Vaccination, masking, social distancing, testing, and regular handwashing
Rhinovirus (common cold)
Transmission: Spreads through close contact or inhaling infected particles in the air Prevention: Frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, environmental cleaning, and rest and hydration to manage symptoms
For the most up-to-date and relevant information on precautions and guidelines for RSV, coronavirus, and rhinovirus infections in children in Germany, consult the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) directly or visit their official website .
