Respiratory diseases
According to the RKI, the RSV wave in Germany has begun
A small patient in a pediatric ward suffering from respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus or RSV). photo
© Marijan Murat/dpa
In addition to corona and colds caused by rhinoviruses, Germany is also recording RSV infections, especially in younger children. If the course is severe, ventilation may even be necessary.
“Children under two years of age are particularly affected by hospital admission with RSV infection,” writes the RKI about the current situation. In addition, according to the report, corona infections and colds caused by rhinoviruses are currently playing a particular role in Germany. There is no flu wave in sight yet.
In severe cases, ventilation is necessary
When infected with RSV, children usually first develop a runny nose and lose their appetite. The throat may be inflamed. “Coughing and sneezing follow, and fever often occurs,” writes the Federal Center for Health Education on its website. As a result, pneumonia, for example, is possible. If the course is severe, ventilation may be necessary.
Last fall and winter there was a severe RSV wave in many countries. Many children were affected who had previously had no contact with the pathogen because of the corona pandemic and the measures taken against it. Clinics and pediatrician practices were temporarily overloaded. German experts had now expected a more normal wave again this winter.
The risk groups for severe cases of RSV include premature babies, children with previous lung disease or heart defects, adults over 65 and people with a compromised immune system. In principle, you can become ill and become repeatedly infected at any age. According to the RKI, the spread among the population was underestimated for a long time. An RSV reporting requirement is still relatively new.