Child Pneumonia Outbreak in China cause for concern: A simple NO
Pneumonia cases among children in China have surged, resulting in severely overcrowded hospitals. Experts say, however, that this is likely not a possible pandemic but rather the result of a few predictable, non-worrisome factors.
This is China’s first winter without COVID-19 protections in place since 2020. Compared to pre-Covid pneumonia cases, the current numbers observed are not significantly higher than for example 1995 to 1998
Communications between the World Health Organization and the Chinese public health authorities made it clear they have not discovered a new virus in above mentioned cases.
The current pneumonia outbreak in China is caused by an array of viral infections and one bacterial infection.
Most commonly found at this stage are cold and flu viruses, RSV ( Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and pneumonia caused by a bacteria, m. pneumonia.
Children under normal conditions set an average of 12 virus illnesses in their first few years. Children acquire infections and spread them among themselves readily because they play on top of each other, almost literally and are in most cases not very hygienic.
That children encounter so many common pathogens is not a bad thing. It helps them build much-needed antibodies that will serve them well throughout life.
An interesting fact here is M. pneumonia is becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant. The resistance rate in Asia is about 90% compared to the U.S. with only 10% resistance.
As previously mentioned, overcrowding in hospitals and the overuse of antibiotics leads to the increase of m. pneumonia infections in China
Considering all the facts, it’s my opinion that South Africa will have a “normal” sick winter.
The main objective must still be preventive- common sense always prevails- Consult with your health care professional, if in doubt, with the onset of severe symptoms, maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise, healthy food and proper sleeping patterns.
Immune boosters might be of help, but the most proven preventative measure is still good old soup and water washing your hands regularly can reduce the transfer of all viral infections, significantly.
Information used above came from Medical News Today and the Lancet Publications
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