During the last pandemic, not only Coronavirus, but also the COVID-19 protocol helped curb RSV infections. Now, the "immunity gap" is putting children at risk for respiratory infections.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic peaked, many people have adopted precautionary measures like lockdowns, physical distancing, and wearing masks. However, recently a health issue has surfaced that is concerning: the immunity gap in children. This gap exists when some children are not as resistant to the coronavirus as other children. Schools, colleges, and offices have resumed after 2 years, but it is important to monitor the health of children to make sure they remain resistant to the virus.

According to Dr. Prashant Moralwar, Consultant Pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital Kharghar, many children have low immunity, leaving them susceptible to flu and other respiratory infections.

A large number of children are down with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. There have been regular outbreaks of these infections for the past three to four months. Schoolchildren are absent from their classes due to fever, cold, cough, and chills. Adenovirus, parainfluenza, and rhinovirus are all common respiratory infections seen in children."

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in children

COVID-19 protocol played a critical role in curbing RSV infections during the pandemic by preventing RSV infections from spreading.

"Like COVID-19 infection, RSV and the flu tend to spread via droplets present in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets stay for hours and can be on surfaces like doorknobs and light switches. Regularly washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, using masks, and staying away from sick people during the pandemic did more than stopping the spread of the coronavirus. There were fewer flu cases and not many required hospitalizations. But, owing to the availability of vaccines and other treatments for COVID-19, children started going back to school without masks, and some carrying germs started spreading the disease to others. That is where your "immunity gap" or "immunity debt" was seen making one exposed to COVID-19 and RSV infections again. And we're seeing more cases now."

How to protect children from respiratory infections.

In India, the flu vaccine is available, but not for RSV. If the flu shot is taken by the child as recommended by the doctor, flu infections can be prevented. In addition, wearing masks, sanitizing or washing hands, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and following cough etiquette can help keep respiratory infections at bay.