The specialists have already announced it: this year will be one of the most complex winters in respiratory matters, not only due to the rise in infections by Covid-19, but also due to the strong presence of viruses such as the syncytial and Influenza between risk groups (children, older adults and immunocompromised people).
“Children born in a pandemic did not face the viruses that circulate in the environment and did not develop the antibodies of their age. Many of these are transferred through the placenta by the mother herself, but during the great confinement they were not exposed to respiratory viruses either (…) Now, as there is greater mobility, a little more relaxation in the use of a mask and with the children of back to school, the viral circulation has increased”, comments Loreto Twelepediatric infectologist and academic of Medicine at the U. San Sebastián.
“Since late summer we saw an increase in cases of influenza and syncytial virus , which has collapsed some pediatric services. It is a worrying situation”, warns the specialist.
The fear of the experts
According to Twele, the one that most alerts pediatricians is the syncytial virus“since it can cause prolonged respiratory conditions and the need for ventilatory assistance for its treatment.” Influenza A, Adenovirus, Metapneumovirus and Parainfluenza are other viruses are kept under the scrutiny of experts.
“They also show viral coinfections (infections with more than one virus at the same time), which can lead to more days of hospitalization, ICU and mechanical ventilation”, he details.
What should parents do? “Vaccinate children. vaccinate them against Influenza A and B, Covid vaccine in people over three years of age and complete the National Immunization Plan. In addition, parents and caregivers continue to use a mask, ventilate the house and reinforce hand washing, ”concludes Twele.
