Common viral illnesses in children make a comeback after Covid-19 restrictions eased

Viral illnesses common in children are making a comeback following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

there were eight cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) last week after Covid-19 measures helped reduce its spread last year.

Cillian de Gascun of the National Virus Reference said that over the past two months they have seen the re-emergence of some seasonal viruses.

“The public health measures in place for 18 months have become more flexible, so there is a lot of socialization and there are more opportunities for these viruses to spread from person to person,” he said. he declares.

Parents are encouraged to look for symptoms of severe respiratory infection in children at risk, including a high temperature of 37.8 ° C or more, a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or noisy breathing. .

Respiratory illnesses, including colds and RSV, are very common in young children every year.

But Covid-19 measures regarding mask wearing, physical distancing and hand washing last winter have meant far fewer infections among young people.

They will not have developed immunity and so it is likely that there will be more cases this year.

RSV is a very common virus and almost all children get infected by it before the age of two.

In older children and adults, RSV can cause a cough or cold. The first symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold, but can progress over a few days to a high temperature of 37.8 ° C or more, a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid breathing or noisy.

There have also been six cases of norovirus, also known as a ‘winter vomiting bug’ over the past week, although it is not clear whether they were adults or children.

It is a gastric insect that causes vomiting and diarrhea and usually goes away in about two days.

The main symptoms are nausea, diarrhea and nausea.

As the children return to school, public health doctors point to simple measures to limit the spread.

Stay home if you have symptoms of norovirus and do not return to work or send children to school or school for 48 hours after symptoms disappear.

As with Covid-19, hand washing is important to help stop the spread, but alcohol gels do not kill noroviruses. Soap and water are recommended.