Several waves of illness at once
The RS virus (RSV), which leads to diseases of the respiratory tract, plays a major role. “So far this season we have registered around 70 RSV cases. That is already twice as much as in the past winter season,” says clinic director Prof. Rupprecht. The increased number of RSV cases coincides with other waves of the disease. “In addition to RSV, we also have numerous children with severe influenza or colds – and combinations.”
According to Prof. Rupprecht, the fact that children with RSV in particular often have to go to the hospital is because children show severe consequences more often than adults. This is related to the “narrower bronchial system” in children.
Corona measures could be the reason
The accumulation of sick children who have to be treated in the clinic is unusual, according to the clinic director. “We are also finding that both RSV and influenza infections are occurring much earlier this year and in comparatively higher numbers than in previous years,” he told the bt.
In his view, the corona protection measures could play a role in this. “The corona lockdown and the corona protective measures have apparently prevented waves of infection, which are now being caught up suddenly.”
This applies in an emergency
Despite the precarious situation, Prof. Rupprecht assures: “The children’s hospital keeps beds free for emergencies.” In order to avoid waiting times at the emergency room, he recommends that in an emergency, if possible, first contact the mobile emergency service on 116 117.