Seasonally cold weather has set in across the WHO European Region, leading to the circulation of respiratory pathogens and increasing numbers of sick people. Many of these pathogens affect young children, especially those under 5 years of age, as well as other at-risk groups, such as people with comorbidities and people over 65 years of age. However, pursuing effective prevention strategies can reduce the likelihood that groups most at risk will become ill this winter.
According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary, around half of countries in the Region are experiencing higher levels of fever and cough, and some countries are reporting a sharp increase, particularly among young children.
A similar increase in hospitalizations was seen this time last year, due to an early seasonal increase in the circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a leading cause of acute tract infections. lower respiratory tract in infants and young children. RSV is a seasonal virus that returns every year in Europe, peaking mainly during the autumn, winter and spring months (October to April). Common symptoms of RSV include a runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. Most RSV infections resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks, but RSV can also cause more serious infections such as bronchiolitis, or inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, and pneumonia (an infection lungs).
The WHO is closely monitoring certain respiratory viruses and part of this recent increase is, again, due to a spike in RSV infections, amid rising COVID-19 cases and an increase weaker but notable seasonal flu. In addition, several countries in the Region are reporting an increase in infections and hospitalizations linked to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterial cause of nosocomial pneumonia in children.
The increase in RSV activity is also reflected in a sharp increase in RSV-related hospitalizations among young children over the past 5 weeks. RSV in children younger than 6 months accounts for 20% of episodes of acute lower respiratory tract infection and almost half of all RSV deaths in children younger than 5 years. Although RSV infection is almost inevitable for most children, special precautions should be taken to protect premature babies and infants younger than 6 months, especially those with underlying lung or heart disease. underlying. Additionally, toddlers who have not encountered RSV during the COVID-19 pandemic are at increased risk of infection.
Seasonal increases in respiratory infections are expected, and the data so far does not show anything particularly concerning or different about these pathogens or the severity of illness they cause in children. Many young children may not yet have been fully exposed to some of these due to reduced circulation during the pandemic. Additionally, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection tends to circulate more intensely in some years than others, every 2 to 4 years. The emergence and spread of these pathogens can vary from country to country, and even within the same country, with national or local health departments best placed to assess activity in an area. given.
COVID-19 is still present, causing severe illness and death in people with risk factors for severe illness, especially those over 65 years old. Although hospitalization rates remain low compared to the same period last year, half of the countries in the Region reporting data on COVID-19 hospitalizations are now experiencing increasing trends, including Czechia, Finland, Italy, Latvia and Slovakia.
“To a large extent, a seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected, but this year’s increase could also be attributed to infections in children who have been shielded during the pandemic, and the fact that the circulation of some of these pathogens varies each winter,” explained Dr. Marc. -Alain Widdowson, Head of High-Risk Pathogens at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
“Recommendations for COVID-19 and flu vaccines remain targeted at the same high-risk groups: older adults, people with chronic illnesses, those with immunodeficiencies, pregnant people, and health care workers. It is recommended to receive both vaccines when available.
While it is important to note this increase, simple measures such as washing hands, staying home when sick, providing better ventilation in busy spaces, and getting vaccinated when offered are often effective in curbing the spread of these viruses and protecting the most vulnerable.
For COVID-19 and seasonal flu, a supplemental vaccine remains the best way to protect those at highest risk of severe illness. Flu vaccines have been safely administered to millions of people for decades. COVID-19 vaccines have helped save approximately 1.5 million lives and continue to do so. If offered, it is recommended that people receive both vaccines, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and influenza. In some countries and regions of Europe, vaccines have recently become available for very young children at risk of RSV disease or for their mothers.
The winter respiratory season is far from over and flu transmission is only increasing. Since different pathogens can peak at different times, it’s not yet clear what the rest of the season will look like. WHO is closely monitoring the situation through integrated surveillance of several diseases supplemented by reports from national authorities and other sources.
“There are steps we can take to protect ourselves, our loved ones and those at risk,” noted Dr. Widdowson. “Health authorities also have an important role to play in ensuring our health systems can manage the multiple threats this winter. To support this, Member States should continue to engage with vulnerable groups to encourage the uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, promote and implement protective measures where and when necessary, and dispel misinformation. information likely to endanger individual and public health. well-being
