Ulrika Tinghäll Nilsson is section manager for pediatrics at Skåne University Hospital.
She says that this year is not like previous years, when it comes to the RS virus.
- It is quite special that we hear at the beginning of September when it is 25 degrees hot outside and talk about RS virus, she says.
The RS virus is usually a major issue for healthcare during the autumn and winter months.
In 2019 and 2020, February and March, respectively, were the months with the largest number of people in Skåne who tested positive for RS virus.
In total, there were 332 people.
This is shown by Region Skåne's own statistics.
So far this year, however, it is different.
During February and March 2021, only one person tested positive.
All the more has come during the summer, which is usually quiet.
22 people tested positive in July and August this year - the figure was zero for the same months in both 2019 and 2020.
May need respiratory assistance
According to Ulrika Tinghäll Nilsson, all children during their first years of life are exposed to RS infection and become ill.
However, how the virus affects children is very different.
- Some need a visit here in the emergency room and can then go home, but some need to be admitted and get help with breathing, says doctor Ulrika Tinghäll Nilsson.
- They are often the youngest children who get sickest, she says.
Expects a long season
What has happened this year is that children have been exposed to RS infection to a lesser extent than before.
This is due to the restrictions and recommendations that have been developed to limit the spread of covid-19.
- But as society opens up more, there will be a spread of infection and then we have many children who have not been exposed to an RS virus, says Ulrika Tinghäll Nilsson.
Ulrika Tinghäll Nilsson expects a protracted RS season this time, but believes that the capacity is still there to meet one.
- We have the opportunity to take care of the patients, she says.