RESPIRATORY VIRUS INFECTION LEVELS HAVE PEAKED, SAY EXPERTS

An outbreak of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is spreading mainly among children, has reached its peak, according to health experts.

Local pharmacists confirmed a notable increase in the infection rate among children who had contracted the flu, particularly RSV.

RSV is one of the most common respiratory viral infections in children. It can lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract and lungs.

It spreads most vigorously during autumn and winter.

Since the spike in influenza and RSV, some local school sports events have been postponed due to a number of school pupils falling ill.

Pharmacists said they have noticed many cases of RSV, Gastro (viral gastroenteritis) and influenza with symptoms of high fevers and some showing symptoms of stomach pains, mainly in school pupils.

According to the Weekly Respiratory Pathogens Surveillance Report by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), at least 453 cases of RSV and 98 cases of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported this week so far.

They also flagged that RSV cases had peaked earlier than usual this year.

Most children and adults with RSV will have mild symptoms similar to the common cold and will recover in one to two weeks.

In children younger than one year old, RSV is the most common cause of inflammation of the lungs, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Deputy Minister of Health, Sibongiseni Dhlomo has again urged people to get the flu vaccination.

He said the side effects were minimal compared to the protection the vaccines provide.