Spike in childhood viral infections
viral infections
18 Nov 2022
/ 23:53
CORFU. Gastroenteritis and respiratory infections are sending children to Corfu Hospital.
Childhood viral infections are on the rise lately, while there are also cases that require children to be hospitalised in the Corfu Hospital's Paediatric Clinic. Respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and coxsackie dominate lately, as there is a large increase in cases of viral infections.
Paediatricians have many young patients, as this year, after two years of Covid, there has been a spike in viral infections earlier than usually, i.e. not near Christmas when the seasonal flu usually makes its appearance.
Half the beds are full
However, there is also an increased number at Corfu Hospital, with several cases ending up in the Paediatric Clinic. In fact, last week 10 beds out of 20 were full in the Pediatric Clinic by young patients suffering from either respiratory infections or gastroenteritis. The situation has improved in the last few days and hospitalisations have decreased.
As doctors point out, the spike in viral infections this year was to be expected. The strict restrictions that were in place during the pandemic limited contact amongst the children and thus kept them away from viruses. But now, with the relaxation of measures, the non-use of masks and the fact that they have not reached a high level of immunity, there has been a spike in viral infections. Children under 5 years of age are particularly vulnerable groups.
The symptoms
Symptoms of respiratory infections include coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, decreased activity, as well as reduced fluid intake. As for gastroenteritis, they are accompanied by fever with chills, vomiting and multiple diarrheas. The latter have rapid escalation and de-escalation as they go away in 24 hours and a half, according to paediatricians. However, because these are viruses that are transmissible, doctors recommend isolating the patient and avoiding contact with other children to protect everyone.
Protective measures
Doctors are also drawing attention to the measures that should be taken to protect the population. Good ventilation of rooms, proper nutrition, regular hand washing, good cleaning of toilets and especially in schools with increased staff are included in the basic prevention and protection measures. Finally, it is recommended that vulnerable groups get vaccinated against seasonal flu as an extra protective measure.
Paediatricians have many young patients, as this year, after two years of Covid, there has been a spike in viral infections earlier than usually, i.e. not near Christmas when the seasonal flu usually makes its appearance.
Half the beds are full
However, there is also an increased number at Corfu Hospital, with several cases ending up in the Paediatric Clinic. In fact, last week 10 beds out of 20 were full in the Pediatric Clinic by young patients suffering from either respiratory infections or gastroenteritis. The situation has improved in the last few days and hospitalisations have decreased.
As doctors point out, the spike in viral infections this year was to be expected. The strict restrictions that were in place during the pandemic limited contact amongst the children and thus kept them away from viruses. But now, with the relaxation of measures, the non-use of masks and the fact that they have not reached a high level of immunity, there has been a spike in viral infections. Children under 5 years of age are particularly vulnerable groups.
The symptoms
Symptoms of respiratory infections include coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, decreased activity, as well as reduced fluid intake. As for gastroenteritis, they are accompanied by fever with chills, vomiting and multiple diarrheas. The latter have rapid escalation and de-escalation as they go away in 24 hours and a half, according to paediatricians. However, because these are viruses that are transmissible, doctors recommend isolating the patient and avoiding contact with other children to protect everyone.
Protective measures
Doctors are also drawing attention to the measures that should be taken to protect the population. Good ventilation of rooms, proper nutrition, regular hand washing, good cleaning of toilets and especially in schools with increased staff are included in the basic prevention and protection measures. Finally, it is recommended that vulnerable groups get vaccinated against seasonal flu as an extra protective measure.
