RS is a cold virus that can hit small children hard, as it can cause coughs and breathing problems, for example.
During the corona pandemic, the virus has hardly spread at all.
A total of 195 cases were reported during the 2020/2021 season, which is the lowest number since the RS infection began to be registered 20 years ago.
During the winter season 2018/2019, 7,312 cases were registered.
- We believe that the low number of cases last winter is due to the restrictions and that people tried to isolate themselves, then the infection did not spread, says Erik Normann, head of the neonatal ward at the University Hospital.
Fewer immune
But since the restrictions eased, several hospitals in the country have reported cases where young children needed care due to the RS virus.
One explanation for the RS cases coming so early is believed to be precisely that there were few cases last season.
- Then fewer people become immune and the infection spreads when you start socializing again, says Erik Normann, who emphasizes that it is now important to take care of the newborns a little extra.
- If you feel the least bit sick, you should not spend time with other people's babies.
We have been good at protecting the elderly from covid-19 and it is actually just as important that we already now make sure to protect our newborns against RS virus.
Hear him tell more in the clip above.