The syncytial respiratory virus, a frequent virus that causes cold-like symptoms, makes three-year-olds, especially among newborns, say epidemiological doctors. This virus produces severe complications among young children, but also among the elderly.
Persistent cough is a symptom of VRS photo shutterstock
The syncytial respiratory virus (VRS) is a common respiratory virus, say specialists, and which usually presents symptoms similar to ordinary colds. The banality of the virus and the specific manifestations of mild seasonal infections can hide, however, a severe cold danger.
And this is because, say epidemiologists say, the syncytial virus gives severe complications, especially the vulnerable categories. This category includes babies, especially those born prematurely, adults with chronic diseases, but also the elderly. Complications are so serious that they can leave the sequels.
Syncyal, a nightmare for newborns
The syncytial respiratory virus is very easy. From the air or on the surfaces, when the saliva particles are scattered by sneezing or cough from an infected person. There are people who have very mild symptoms, who do not pay attention and do not protect themselves in the company of others.
The most exposed to the infection are babies, with an immune system in adaptation to the environment. Syncial respiratory virus infection for a newborn can be a real nightmare, they confess epidemiologists, because it strongly irritates the mucosa of the airways, making the breath even pain.
Most of the time, the syncy is complicated in babies. That is, the child can do bronchiolites, pneumonia and other serious diseases of the respiratory system. “The most vulnerable are premature newborns. This virus causes a denudation of the tracheal epithelium and an important pulmonary impairment. Either a newborn child, if premature, is from a vulnerable start in front of this virus ”says epidemiologist Irina Alecu.
A disease that becomes more aggressive
Although the syncytial virus is well known, epidemiologists say that in the last three years it has become more problematic, including for age groups that are manifested without much “noise”. “He has always existed, but we find a more intense circulation during this period. It is a virus that has posed and poses big problems for three to four years. ”adds Irina Alecu. In addition to the fact that it has a more intense circulation, serious are the sequelae from infection and complications.
The most serious are pneumonia and bronchiolites, including children who have already passed the baby stage, but also in the elderly. Complications can also make adults with chronic diseases or a weaker immune system.
Monoclonary antibodies an effective weapon against the syncytial
However, there are also solutions to protect children and the elderly from the syncytial virus. It is about monoclonary antibodies therapy. “Although it is an extremely expensive therapy, efforts have been made and the newborns are given to the newborns that protect them from the complications of this virus. There are now discussions worldwide for treatment including the elderly, but also older children. These are these therapies with monoclonary antibodies, dedicated to the virus, because the transmission is increasingly important ”says Irina Alecu.
There is also the option to vaccinate pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of infection in the first six months of the child’s life. In Romania, however, there is a reluctance to vaccination of any kind. For example, in 2024, our country was last in the European Union when vaccination against measles and hepatitis B.
