Although this is not a new virus, it is rather unusual that is circulating this much outside of the winter months. At times, the children's hospital was approaching capacity limits due to this trend.
In some cases, RSV only provokes a light cough and runny nose. In more sever cases, it can also cause shortage of breath or infections of the respiratory system, which mostly affects children below the age of two, or those with immune deficiencies, Dr Isabel de la Fuente explained.
So far, there is no real treatment for the disease, the paediatrician further noted: "It mostly comes down to children's immune systems to fight off the virus. We are there to monitor this process and intervene in case of severe complications."
Usually, the annual RSV season takes place between November and March. However, this year, numbers increased throughout April and peaked during June and July, with daily hospitalisations reaching a staggering rate of 240 patients at times.
Dr Claude Schalber from the children's hospital's emergency wing explained the potential connection with Covid-19: "Over the winter months, safety measures were at their peak, which has certainly delayed the RSV season. And given that children's immune systems were less prepared to handle the virus, it is normal that hospitalisations increased. And with annual virus cycles, there are always years that turn out significantly more severe than others."
With no vaccine or treatment measures at hand, it is highly likely that another outbreak of RSV will take place this year, Dr de la Fuente emphasised. However, it is very difficult to predict a time frame.
An additional eight beds are set to be installed in the children's hospital to help fight future capacity problems. Furthermore, four new doctors will be hired by the end of the year.
To protect against RSV infections, it is important to regularly wash hands. Adults who feel ill should also avoid contact with small children, especially babies below the age of three months.
