Pediatrician: almost all children’s beds are occupied in the hospital

Since the beginning of autumn, doctors have been observing a significant increase in infections with the flu, as well as with the RSV virus among children. In addition, there are COVID-19 infections in the youngest. – Before the pandemic at this time, it was rare that the children’s beds were completely occupied, while infections are increasing every day – says pediatrician and infectious diseases specialist Dr. Lidia Stopyra. She also called on children with infections not to be allowed to school.

1. Coronavirus in Poland is taking an increasing toll. Many children are sick
2. The fourth wave of COVID-19 coincided with a very large increase in RSV infections
3. Two groups of patients with RSV accumulated – says Dr. Lidia Stopyra, a pediatrician and a contagious agent
4. There have always been infections at this time, but such an occupancy of beds was rare – adds the doctor
5. More information can be found on the Onet homepage

Pediatrician: almost all hospital beds are occupied

The doctor emphasized that he was talking about the situation on the example of Szpital Specjalistyczny im. Stefan Żeromski in Krakow. Here, Dr. Stopyra heads the Department of Infectious Diseases and Paediatrics.

Currently, 24 out of 25 covid beds for children are occupied in this facility. Every day, the clinic admits several new patients, and the children are discharged as soon as possible.

Young patients with RSV, flu, meningitis and other diseases typical of childhood are also admitted to the hospital.

Dr. Lidia Stopyra pointed out that before the pandemic at this time of year (early November), there had been no such number of hospitalizations of children. “There were infections, but such an occupancy of the beds was rare,” she said.

RSV, flu and COVID-19 are attacking children

There are many children in the hospital with RSV, while before that, the peak of RSV infections was in December and January. More and more children with flu are also sent to the facility. According to the pediatrician, vaccines, which are already approved for children over six months old, can protect against the flu epidemic this year. There is no vaccine on RSV. However, COVID-19 patients are still the most numerous group of patients in this hospital.

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When asked whether the children had weaker immunity due to isolation during last year’s lockdown, the doctor emphasized that it was not about weakening immunity, but about later than usual contact of some children with RSV.

Now two groups of patients with RSV have accumulated – these are the youngest children who get sick this year and the slightly older ones who would have fallen ill a year ago had it not been for lockdown.

RSV most commonly affects young children

RSV most often affects young children, children under six months of age are most at risk of being hospitalized for RSV. The body goes the hardest with the first RSV infection, the next one is more gentle. First of all, children who come into contact with this virus for the first time go to the hospital.

“Most often, the youngest children get RSV from siblings in preschool or school age,” said the doctor.

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When asked about the role of schools in spreading the infection, Dr. Stopyra replied: “If schools and kindergartens were closed, a significant number of beds would become available in hospitals within two weeks”.

Asked for advice for parents, she said that if there is a newborn at home, it is worth not to let the older child go to kindergarten during the RSV epidemic; the more that the mother is on maternity leave at home and can take care of the children.

«It is very important that sick people do not go to public places. It is unacceptable for a child with the infection to go to school or kindergarten. In other countries, it is obvious that a child with an infection stays at home »- said Dr. Lidia Stopyra.

She also reminded about the necessity of vaccinations and observance of the basic rules: distance, disinfection, mask.

Also read:

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3. Experts: This group should not take the third dose of the vaccine
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