“Obviously, older children tolerate this virus so well that everyone is worried. Why didn’t they?” she says.
As Covid-19 raged around the world, many countries introduced strict lockdowns to stop the spread of the virus. Children were locked out of schools and nurseries for weeks and months. Now that they’re mixed again Doctors noticed regular spikes in other illnessesincluding RSV, influenza, and illnesses caused by Group A streptococcia bacterium also known as Streptococcus A.
15 children have died in the UK since September Following Streptococcus A infection. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), between 2017 and 2018, during the last high season for Streptococcus A in the country, a total of 27 cases under 18 years of age Human deaths were recorded. However, the 2022-23 season is not over yet.
Epidemiologists continue to investigate whether Covid-19 lockdowns have increased the likelihood of other disease surges. respiratory infections more or less stopped in their footsteps During the first year or so of the pandemic. It is also possible that Covid-19 infection somehow harms the immune system, making children more susceptible to other illnesses, but doctors say this is unlikely as there is no evidence of such effects. I say unlikely. But what exactly is going on?
In recent weeks, Ronny Cheung, a consultant pediatrician in London, has heard reports in regular conference calls with fellow physicians across the country that streptococcal infections and respiratory viruses are causing problems for children. “It’s remarkable,” he says.
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For example, Streptococcus A is not usually life-threatening, but may only cause sore throat and tonsillitis, but in rare cases can cause invasive and fatal infections such as meningitis. there is.
