The number of reported cases of RS virus, respiratory syncytial virus, has increased in recent weeks. According to the Public Health Agency, the epidemic is underway, the agency’s monitoring shows.
So far, a total of 588 confirmed cases of RS virus have been reported during the season. However, it is fewer than during the same period last year.
– We expect that the spread of the RS virus will increase in the coming weeks, which means an increased risk for the smallest children, says deputy state epidemiologist Erik Sturegård at The Public Health Agency’s website.
Urges to protect children
The authority writes that the most important measures to reduce the risk of infection are to avoid meeting people who are sick and to be careful with hand hygiene.
RS virus poses the greatest risk to infants, but can also lead to serious illness in the elderly and people in certain risk groups.
– It is important to avoid children under the age of 1 meeting people outside the family who have a cough or runny nose. Everyone who meets children under the age of 1 should be extra careful with hand washing, not least older siblings, says Erik Sturegård.
FHM urges the elderly, and certain other risk groups, to get vaccinated.