Hyderabad: While respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases continue to be seen in good numbers in children and the dip in temperature with the onset of winter season is expected to further contribute to an uptick in cases, experts stress on the need for vaccination to prevent pneumonia.
Currently, there are RSV related pneumonia cases being seen in large numbers, with most centres seeing 5-10 hospital admissions due to severe disease.Along with RSV related pneumonia, cases of bacterial pneumonia are seen round the year.
With Viral pneumonia, often associated with influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevalent currently, individuals experiencing cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing are prompted to seek professional help.
“Children whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of developing pneumonia and hence immunisation against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcus, measles and whooping cough (pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia,” said Dr Kiran Madhala, convener scientific committee, IMA Telangana, adding that although these are covered under the universal immunization programme which is for vaccination of children, the pneumococcus vaccine and flu vaccines are advised for all age groups.
However, the awareness about these remain low.
Also the Pneumococcus vaccine which costs around 3000 is given a miss due to the high cost.
We also published the following articles recently

US approves first vaccine against chikungunya virus
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the world's first vaccine for chikungunya, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. The vaccine, named Ixchiq, is intended for individuals aged 18 and above who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus.
US approves world's 1st chikungunya vaccine
The US FDA has approved the world's first vaccine for chikungunya, a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. The vaccine, developed by Valneva, will be marketed under the name Ixchiq and is approved for people aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of exposure. Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. The vaccine, which contains a live, weakened version of the virus, was found to have common side effects such as headache and fatigue, with serious reactions reported in 1.6% of recipients.
Mystery respiratory illness in kids baffles paediatricians
Healthcare professionals in Pune, India are reporting a mysterious respiratory illness among children. Patients are experiencing flu-like symptoms but are testing negative for both influenza and Covid-19. It is believed to be a seasonal respiratory virus that is undetectable by PCR tests. Children are presenting with high fevers and respiratory symptoms, and some are testing positive for Covid antibodies, indicating recent infection. The illness is causing anxiety and hospitalizations, but most patients recover with symptomatic treatment within three to four days. The number of cases has increased by nearly 50% in recent weeks.



Source link