An exacerbation in cases of acute bronchiolitis in children has been observed lately according to the experts, which puts a lot of pressure on the pediatric wards at Makarios Hospital.
Speaking to the Cyprus Times, the Director of the Paediatric Clinic of Makarios Dr. Abraham Ilias and asked to explain to the public the characteristics of the RSV virus, he noted that more than half of the children currently being treated in the paediatric wards are suffering from acute bronchiolitis. "23 of the 34 children hospitalized have been infected with RSV which leads us to the conclusion that it has taken the form of an epidemic. In fact, the vast majority of the children are under 2 years old."
As Dr. Elias explained, this virus usually causes symptoms such as respiratory distress, persistent cough, fever, anorexia, tachypnea, which is why several children need hospitalization. "The reason why there is overcrowding of paediatric wards is because this virus is mainly seen in the winter months towards the end of autumn to early spring. We even expect to have more cases when there will be a peak in January and February."
According to the Director of the Children's Hospital of Makareio, children are hospitalized for an average of 3-5 days, and he explained that there is no vaccine for the virus. "There are also cases that due to severe respiratory distress need to be hospitalised in intensive care. The children who are most at risk, however, are those who have underlying diseases."
The most important preventive measures to avoid transmission of the virus are hand washing, avoiding confusion, good ventilation of the premises.
Clarifying, Dr. Elias said that this is a very contagious disease so parents should avoid taking children with symptoms to kindergartens, or nurseries. However, according to experts the mortality rate of the disease is very low, and there is no reason to panic.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
