Sharp rise in childhood viruses again
CORFU. Children are being admitted to Corfu Hospital with gastroenteritis, tonsilitis and prolonged fever episodes.
Gastroenteritis, tonsillitis, and prolonged fever episodes have been troubling young children lately.
An increase in the number of people coming to the Paediatric Emergency Department was observed both before and after Easter, with infections affecting infants as well as school-age children. In fact, there were many cases of co-infections, i.e. simultaneous infections with viruses that hit the immune system.
For example, during Easter week, almost all of the 20 available beds at the Paediatric Clinic were filled, with a notable example being Thursday when hospitalisations reached 17. Among them were infants aged 8-10 months and children up to 12 years old.Right now, half of the beds in the paediatric ward are filled with young patients who are suffering from either respiratory infections, gastroenteritis or prolonged high fevers.
Medical circles have noted that the surge in infections this year was expected. The strict restrictions that were in place during the pandemic for the past two years limited contact among children, keeping infections at bay. However, with the relaxation of measures, the non-use of masks, and the fact that the immune systems have not yet built up sufficient immunity, there is now an "attack" of viral infections on children who had been restricted during the previous period.
Measures
Indeed, with schools reopening after the Easter break, doctors are drawing attention to the need for caution when symptoms appear, in order to limit the spread of the disease and protect the population. It is recommended to isolate the patient and avoid contact with other people, use antiseptics, ventilate the spaces properly, have a proper diet, regularly wash hands, and maintain good hygiene in toilets, especially in schools.
However, medical experts point out that with the rise in temperatures, respiratory infections are expected to subside.
