2025—REPORT ON INFECTIONS
WHAT LIES AHEAD?
The new year has arrived—the promising year 2025—bringing with it new dreams, aspirations, and plans in every area.
Just as we do every year at this time, this year too we are taking stock of the past year—covering many issues—in order to plan for the new year and the actions we need to set in motion….
That's what I do in my line of work and in other areas as well….
On the timely topic—especially during the winter months—of infections, and specifically pediatric infections, the conclusions of last year’s review were that there was a sharp increase—a surge—in all types of infections!
Rhinoviruses, which had been prevalent since early fall, gave way to adenoviruses and enteroviruses, such as Coxsackie, and then, shortly before the holidays, the seasonal flu—primarily type A—made a sudden appearance.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which affects infants and the elderly—as well as pregnant women—more severely, even causing respiratory distress, is more dangerous than the flu for infants, pregnant women, and the elderly.
This year, a vaccine is also available for the last two categories of at-risk individuals (excluding children).
There is also a flu vaccine, and its use should be expanded so that more antibodies are produced throughout the population, especially among vulnerable groups……
Compared to previous years, COVID-19 was clearly milder, but it still concerns the public, the National Health System, and especially vulnerable groups (people with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, compromised immune systems, etc.).
Pneumonia, EBV, and streptococcus all showed an increase throughout last year and this year as well, compared to previous years, before the pandemic….
It is advisable, in the case of all these respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, not to administer medication—and especially antibiotics—too readily, but only after an examination and decision by the pediatrician.
Relief medications or herbal remedies are usually prescribed:
Fever reducers, nasal decongestants, nasal rinses, hydration, honey, and steam are the first-line treatments.
Cough suppressants, antihistamines, antibiotics, and inhalers should be used only as directed by a doctor, when medically indicated, and not unnecessarily. In cases of complications (e.g., bronchopneumonia, acute otitis media, asthma), we prescribe, for example, antibiotics, bronchodilators, etc., as appropriate.
In cases of severe influenza, we can administer the antiviral medication (TAMIFLU); for allergic rhinitis, antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids; and for severe laryngitis,an asthma attack, oral corticosteroids or, in an extreme emergency, intramuscular epinephrine.
For streptococcal infections, the recommended treatment is amoxicillin and other antibiotics.
Streptococcus is detected using the strep test (and, in cases of uncertainty, a swab culture), while other viruses are detected using the triple test (for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV).
CONCLUSION
- A well-balanced diet, rich in nutrients and vitamins (and perhaps supplements), exercise, as well as rest and adequate sleep, are—along with simple measures and, at times, when deemed necessary by the pediatrician examining the child, medication— the main means of prevention and treatment for common infections, which this year—just like last year—are causing discomfort to our little friends and their families during this time of year.
- There's no need to panic—what's needed is a calm approach, timely communication, and trust in our pediatrician.
- He will take the medical history, examine the child as and when necessary, provide advice, and—following the diagnosis (clinical and possibly paraclinical—laboratory)—prescribe the appropriate medications and provide instructions.
- A re-evaluation or an evaluation by other specialists may be deemed necessary as the process unfolds.
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE …..
- Perhaps other re-emerging infections, such as monkeypox, whooping cough, polio, measles, respiratory viruses, and others such as avian influenza, may become a concern for global health in the coming years, but for now, it will be difficult to develop new vaccines based on existing ones.
- The WHO and domestic health authorities are on high alert, but we must all remain vigilant—neither becoming complacent nor panicking. Let’s stay informed by doctors and reliable sources and follow their recommendations consistently and responsibly, for the good of us all…
- Climate change, the economic crisis, migration caused by wars and other factors, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have brought about dramatic changes at all levels, including in the health conditions of all countries.
- In contrast to these, however, the technological revolution, digital advancements in every field, research, artificial intelligence, and the rationality that always prevails in the human spirit—despite its mistakes—aim to bring about the hoped-for balance and prosperity…
- If only …
November 2020—back then we were talking about the coronavirus and we were staying indoors…
The pandemic is not over, although it has certainly … EASED in many respects: disease severity (Omicron variants are milder, though more contagious), the number of deaths, ICU admissions, and hospitalizations in general, as well as complications…
THERE ARE MANY CAUSES OF THE RECESSION:
Life goes on; WE HAVE NOW LEARNED to live with the virus—not in fear, but with knowledge, experience, and trust in science and its …tools—rather than in the words of random, so-called …experts….
I hope the virus leaves us as soon as possible, with as few casualties and long-term consequences as possible….
Of course, it’s not our only enemy—there are many infections, especially at this time of year, and many other problems facing the planet (wars, the energy crisis, climate change, etc.)—but COVID is still in the spotlight….
As we approach the end of 2022, we hope and… we’ll see…