Parents are increasingly concerned as winter viruses in children become more common, but paediatrician Dr Adamos Chatzipanagis says there is nothing unusual compared with previous years.
Speaking to the “Protoselido” programme, he said viruses circulate every year, particularly during the autumn and winter months, although children can develop viral infections throughout the year.
He urged parents to remain particularly cautious in the coming months, especially when it comes to very young babies.
RSV protection available for babies
Dr Chatzipanagis highlighted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza as two infections for which protection is available through vaccination or immunoprophylaxis.
RSV can cause serious illness, particularly in young infants. He noted that ready-made antibodies have been available since last year to protect babies during the winter months.
He encouraged parents to speak to their paediatrician about the available protection.
The treatment is not a conventional vaccine. Instead, ready-made antibodies are administered to the infant to provide protection.
An RSV vaccine is also available during pregnancy. Antibodies produced by the mother can be transferred to the foetus and help protect the newborn after birth.
Flu vaccine remains important
The paediatrician also stressed the importance of flu vaccination, saying it is often overlooked and this can contribute to outbreaks each year.
While the vaccine’s effectiveness can vary from one season to another, he said it remains useful, particularly for protecting vulnerable groups.
Vaccinating healthy people can also reduce the spread of influenza in the community and help protect people at greater risk of serious illness.
Children can receive the flu vaccine from the age of six months, in line with relevant recommendations.
Extra care urged for babies under three months
Dr Chatzipanagis urged parents to be particularly careful with babies under three months old, describing them as highly vulnerable to infections.
He advised families to avoid taking very young babies to crowded places such as cafes, restaurants and other busy venues.
Outdoor activities, including walks in parks or by the sea, are encouraged when crowds can be avoided.
He also advised families to limit unnecessary exposure to visitors at home and avoid having very young babies in constant contact with large numbers of people.
A serious infection at such a young age can lead to hospitalisation and place significant physical and emotional strain on both the child and the family.
Prevention remains key
Dr Chatzipanagis stressed that prevention, protective measures and vaccination where recommended can play an important role in protecting children from winter viruses in children.
He urged parents not to underestimate the vulnerability of very young babies and to seek advice from their paediatrician when necessary.
Also read: One-month delay in flu vaccines for children
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