Pediatricians report an increase in the RSV virus

Winter hasn’t officially started yet, but the hospitals and children’s clinics are already feeling the general increase in morbidity. Dr. Diti Mekens, pediatrics coordinator of the general clinic in the Dan-Pat district, notes that recently more and more children are coming to the clinic suffering from respiratory disease, with an emphasis on disease caused by the RSV virus. “Besides the seasonal flu and the increasing lung infections, we also see an increase in the common virus. Some patients are referred to the emergency room and require hospitalization.”Dr. Shani Peled, internist hematologist and specialist in pediatrics at Maccabi Health Services North District, supports these words: “There is a general increase in respiratory morbidity among children, as well as among infants and toddlers. A significant part of the referrals and admissions to the hospitals is due to the RSV virus.” According to her, it is a respiratory virus that can lead to pneumonia – bronchiolitis. “This is a viral inflammation of the lungs, and it can be especially severe when it comes to premature babies or babies suffering from lung diseases or heart diseases.”

 

Prof. Efi Bilevsky, Director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Schneider Pediatric Center of the Klalit Group, notes that Schneider is also seeing an increase in the number of cases: “The RSV virus arrives every year at the beginning of winter, and we are already beginning to feel the increase in the number of children who come for treatment in the community and in the hospitals “.

 

Dr. Rachel Shatzman Stuerman, a specialist in infectious diseases in children at the Meir Medical Center of the Klalit Group, notes that Meir is also witnessing an increase in children suffering from the RSV virus. According to her, it is a potentially life-threatening virus, especially among small babies.

 

 

 

Dr. Alex Guri, an infectious disease specialist at the Kaplan Medical Center of the Klalit Group: “We also have quite a few cases since the beginning of October. This is not unusual for November, but since the virus season usually lasts from November to March, I think the decision makers should consider starting to give vaccines Already since October.”

A virus without drug treatment

Dr. Ariel Tanenbaum, director of the children’s department at Hadassah Ein Kerem, points out that although the virus is the main reason for hospitalization of children around the world, it currently has no specific drug and the treatment is mainly conservative and, when necessary, also includes oxygen therapy and respiratory support. He also emphasizes that the risk factors for complications and a more serious illness are: premature births, congenital heart defects and chronic diseases, especially among babies in their first year of life. “It is a highly contagious virus, which is transmitted through sneezing, coughing and secretions from the mouth and nose. Children aged 3 and older who are infected with RSV usually pass the disease with fever and runny nose, without special complications, but at younger ages, especially when it comes to babies, the risk of developing complications is greater. Therefore, it is recommended to be careful to wash your hands before treating the baby, and to prevent proximity, as much as possible, with older siblings who show signs of illness.”

Dr. Maknes supports Dr. Guri’s recommendation to vaccinate premature babies and babies with chronic lung or heart diseases. Dr. Peled also recommends vaccination and explains that the vaccine helps prevent serious illness.