Viral infections lay kids low ahead of exam season
Times of India | 20 November 2024
Kolkata: The nip in the air has come as a pleasant change for many but the season change has also brought with it the trouble of respiratory viral infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, para influenza and even coronavirus have started laying children low before the onset of the examination season. Doctors cautioned that these and more viruses will become more active as the mercury dips further.
Last year, adenovirus ran amok among children when hospitals across the city were overwhelmed with gasping children. Even though the virus is yet to strike with that kind of intensity, some city hospitals have already started getting a few cases.
A five-year-old girl from Garia was on ventilation for about a month after an adenovirus onslaught caused extensive damage to the brain. Davakshi Banerjee is recovering well from the condition called Acute Necrotising Encephalitis of Childhood (ANEC), an inflammatory condition of the brain that can be triggered by any viral infection. "ANEC is a devastating condition that can trigger suddenly after a viral infection, paralysing the body. In many cases, it requires lifelong ventilation support. But Devakshi is improving well," said paediatrician Saheli Dasgupta, clinical head PICU at Peerless Hospital.
Paediatrician Somenath Gorain of Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, Newtown, said: "Respiratory viral infections can be particularly severe and potentially fatal for high-risk groups. RSV remains a significant concern, especially among children with a history of prematurity or prolonged NICU stays during the neonatal period," said Gorain.
Doctors said that while they are getting similar case in adults as well, children are more susceptible to complications. They advised parents to ensure preventive measures. "A respiratory panel has been sent to identify the virus and the results are awaited," said Dibyendu Raychaudhuri, associate professor of paediatrics at Medical College Hospital.
Since respiratory infections can easily transmit from the infected, doctors said adopting preventive measures can keep these viruses at bay to a large extent. "With the season change, we have started detecting respiratory viruses along with a few bacterial infections. While these viruses are detected in adults also, school-going children are more susceptible. Wearing masks, hand hygiene and not sharing food and other objects can help them keep the infection at bay," said microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhuri of Peerless Hospital.