Diseases - RSV wave in Germany has begun according to the RKI
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the wave of RSV infections has begun in Germany. The beginning is dated retroactively to the week starting November 20, as the RKI announced in its weekly report on acute respiratory diseases. RSV is the abbreviation for respiratory syncytial virus.
"Children under the age of two are particularly affected by hospitalization with RSV infection," writes the RKI on the current situation. According to the report, coronavirus infections and colds caused by rhinoviruses are also currently playing a role in Germany. A flu epidemic is not yet in sight.
Ventilation necessary in severe cases
Children usually get a runny nose and lose their appetite first when infected with RSV. The throat can become inflamed. "Coughing and sneezing follow, and a fever often occurs," writes the Federal Center for Health Education on its website. As a result, pneumonia, for example, is possible. In severe cases, ventilation may be necessary.
Last fall and winter, there was a severe wave of RSV in many countries. Many children were affected who had previously had no contact with the pathogen due to the coronavirus pandemic and the measures taken against it. Hospitals and pediatric practices were temporarily overloaded. German experts had expected a more normal wave again this winter.
Risk groups for severe cases of RSV include premature babies, children with pre-existing lung disease or heart defects, adults over 65 and people with an impaired immune system. In principle, you can fall ill with it at any age and become infected repeatedly. According to the RKI, the spread in the population was underestimated for a long time. An RSV reporting obligation is still relatively new.
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The RSV wave, as reported by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), has resulted in increased hospitalizations among children under two in Germany. Apart from RSV, coronavirus infections and common colds caused by rhinoviruses are also prevalent in Germany. Proper ventilation becomes necessary in severe RSV cases. Berlin, like other parts of Germany, is experienceing this rise in diseases. This situation has brought back memories of last year's severe RSV wave that affected many children, especially those with no previous exposure due to the coronavirus pandemic. The RKI identifies risk groups for severe RSV cases, including premature babies, children with pre-existing lung or heart conditions, adults over 65, and individuals with an impaired immune system.
In addition, the spread of the RSV virus has been underestimated for a long time, and an RSV reporting obligation is relatively new. In these winter months, the German Health Ministry suggests following good hygiene practices and ensuring proper ventilation to reduce the spread of germs, including coronaviruses and the RSV virus.
Source: www.stern.de
