The European healthcare systems they risk suffering “severe” pressure in the coming weeks and months due to the circulation of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the seasonal flu and coronavirus, warned this Monday European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
This reference center for epidemics of the European Union (EU) highlighted that since the end of October until now several countries have registered a increase in pediatric hospitalizations for syncytial infections, while other respiratory pathogens are circulating, resulting in increased risk of pressure from the health system.
“The respiratory syncytial virus infections not unusual in this day and age, but this year there are more and have occurred sooner than in the run-up to the pandemic, affecting proportionally more children,” the ECDC explains.
To this must be added the seasonal flu season preview and a “possible” resurgence of coronavirus cases after weeks of declines.
Concern for the end of the year
“The New Year’s Eve festivity is associated with activities such as social gatheringsshopping and travel, which pose significant additional risks for the transmission of respiratory viruses,” said ECDC Director Andrea Ammon.
Ammon urged strengthen health systems and support for health workers and stressed that vaccination of risk groups against influenza and covid-19 should be a “priority”.
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The ECDC recommends promoting activities of risk communication among the population, including promoting vaccination; and increase awareness among professionals to diagnose cases on time and reinforce preparations for a hypothetical greater hospital burden.
It also defends the promotion of good hygiene practices and appropriate non-pharmaceutical interventions such as use of masks, ventilation of enclosed spaces, and avoiding crowded public spaces are considered.