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A full waiting room - currently everyday life in the practice of Dr.
Axel Gerschlauer in Bonn.
The cause is a whole series of infections that torment his young patients:
Dr.
Med. Axel Gerschlauer, pediatrician:
»
We have a very early wave of influenza, we have an RS wave, we have an incredible number of children with coughs, runny noses and hoarseness.
We're actually used to that.
We are seasonal workers and we know that winter is worse than summer.
But this year it is particularly busy and particularly early.
«
Last weekend, Dr.
Gerschlauer's practice emergency service.
A total of 270 children came to him in just 13 hours during this time - usually around 100.
The RS virus often only triggers symptoms of a common cold.
Many children would therefore not even notice that they were infected with it.
But it can become a problem, especially for babies or children who are already under stress.
dr
Med. Axel Gerschlauer, paediatrician:
»
But if they are particularly small, if they are born prematurely, if they already have an affected lung, then that is extremely dangerous and currently leads to a large number of inpatient admissions.
The kids have to go to the hospital.
«
But they are overcrowded too.
The Bonn pediatrician reports on a child suffering from sepsis that had to be accommodated in Düsseldorf.
The outpatient and inpatient care of children is currently not guaranteed, says Dr.
Gerschlauer.
DR. Med. Axel Gerschlauer, paediatrician:
»
The situation is indeed catastrophic.
The clinics have been economized, politically desired, and we are paying the price right now, or the small children are paying the price, because even in big cities they often no longer have a free bed and then have to be moved far away.
«
The doctor warns: A lack of investments and the lack of young people would now fall on Germany's feet.
The problem will worsen significantly in the coming weeks and months.