health
news
Why are so many children suddenly sick, and do parents need to worry?
Hospitals are reporting an abnormal increase in the number of children currently suffering from respiratory diseases that are common in winter and are not related to corona.
We spoke to a specialist doctor to understand why this is happening and what are the warning lights that must be recognized
Tags
Corona
Masks
Winter illnesses
Children
Shortness of breath
Heat
Walla!
health
Thursday, 17 June 2021, 12:44 Updated: 13:30
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Share on general
Share on general
Share on Twitter
Share on Email
0 comments
Moments after we took off the corona masks and started practicing a routine, hospitals across the country report that pediatric wards are full, and that respiratory diseases that usually only come in the winter are now affecting quite a few babies and children.
We spoke with Dr. Shmulik Tzur, director of the Rishon Lezion Child Health Center in Clalit's Central District, to understand why this is happening, how our children can be protected and what the warning signs are that require urgent treatment.
More on Walla!
It may look like a cold, but this disease can endanger infants
To the full article
Is the increase in morbidity related to the removal of the masks?
First it is important to clarify that the alarming increase in childhood morbidity is relatively new, so it is not possible to say with certainty what the reason is, but it can certainly be estimated that it is related to the unconventional reality of the past year.
“I don’t think the immune system has weakened due to the corona year,” Dr. Zur explains, “I think we are just more likely to be exposed to viral diseases in the upper respiratory tract because we are back to normal so there are more people indoors - kindergartens, schools and workplaces.
"Removing the mask also increases the risk of contracting all non-coronary viral diseases and being transmitted by droplet or airborne infection."
Hundreds of interns protest against the repeal of added standards ...
Dimedico Harjen Studio
A scientist reveals the three ages at which the body ages the most
Pilates exercises
Formula No.
7 Solgar - a studio with a man in a pen
The pencil trick that prevents menstrual cramps
Sad record in India: More than 200,000 dead from Corona ...
The picture that will reveal whether you are missing hours of sleep
The World Health Organization has approved the vaccine for emergency use ...
I found out I was my own twin
The US will deliver 60 million doses of vaccines to Corona of ...
A vision test that tests whether you have a cylinder and you need ...
Everything you need to know about winter illnesses (Walla! NEWS system)
Dr. Tzur confirms that he does see an increase in calls to the HMO and emergency rooms due to respiratory diseases. "And no less disturbing - we see in tests that there is a combination of viruses that we are used to seeing in summer, and an increase in viruses that are usually seen in winter." He added that he "does not know what preceded what, or how the process began, but that it is clear that there is a cause and effect here - increased exposure, removal of masks, return to routine and increase in morbidity as a result."
"Seeing this virus in the summer is very surprising and also disturbing"
One of the viruses that has been found in laboratory tests in children recently and is causing concern in doctors is RSV (or in its full name: Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
This virus is the most common cause of respiratory infections in children up to the age of two, and is responsible for a quarter of infant and toddler hospitalizations for pneumonia, and nearly 75 percent of hospitalizations for bronchitis.
Among preterm infants and infants with heart and lung disease, there is a higher risk of complications and serious illness.
"We have no explanation for this, and I must say it is very disturbing. RSV is a winter virus, and is one of the main causes of hospitalization of small babies in winter in childhood diseases," says Dr. Zur, "to see it in the summer is very surprising and also very worrying." RSV has an effective vaccine, but it is currently only given in winter and only to risk groups, so it is unlikely that it can help with this wave of illness.
If these are the numbers now - we will see a serious illness this summer.
Baby hospitalized in emergency room (Photo: ShutterStock)
"There is no rational explanation for why this happens, you can guess but there is no scholarly explanation," says Dr. Tzur. "We are aware of the numbers and data, and the fact that if these are the numbers and data we are likely to see severe and prolonged morbidity at a young age." ".
"Do not give up the masks so quickly"
It seems that this summer quite a few parents will come to the clinics with their children, and Dr. Tzur has an important message for them. "I think this summer with the increase in morbidity, especially in respiratory diseases and especially in winter viruses, is proof of why highly highly recommended - at least indoors - Keep using masks. "
More on Walla!
No more coughing and fever: A British researcher claims corona symptoms have changed
Abolishing the obligation to wear masks raises one very sucking question
The future is already here: the smart test that detects an increased risk of having a stroke
He adds that although there is no longer such an official guideline, he as a pediatrician and as a clinic director suggests that the Ministry of Health consider a guideline for wearing masks in clinics.
"Imagine a situation where people come here sitting in the waiting room with people with different levels of illness. Those who wear a mask are less likely to get infected," says Dr. Tzur. "At our clinic, the staff continues to use masks, and we are very happy that parents and children also sat with Masks, because it will protect them from other viruses. "
When should you run to the emergency room?
Dr. Zur believes that "as long as the child is in good general condition, one should not worry and run to the emergency room." He says there is no need to overload the emergency rooms that are already crowded, because pediatricians in the community can respond and diagnose respiratory diseases.
In 99.9 cases, the pediatrician will be able to help (Photo: ShutterStock)
The cases where you have to go to the emergency room are: "Children with high fever who do not respond to antipyretic drugs, children whose parents are under the impression that they are short of breath - they have a very hard time breathing, they cough constantly and therefore vomit everything and can not drink at all. "Listen to the lungs, check them and assess their dehydration status," explains Dr. Tzur.
"Pediatrics at the HMOs are excellent, and in 99.9 percent of cases we can both check and solve all the worries for parents," Dr. Tzur concludes, " At the end - whoever is very worried and goes to the emergency room, it's fine and completely natural, but try not to overload the emergency rooms, for that there are excellent doctors at the box office. "
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Share on general
Share on general
Share on Twitter
Share on Email
0 comments