Taiwan professor warns of rising child virus infections as school nears

Respiratory viruses continue to circulate in Taiwan, and a leading pediatric professor warns that infections may surge once the school year begins in September. Children's contact in schools and extracurricular activities increases the risk of group infections.

Professor Huang Li-min from National Taiwan University Hospital shared that one 4-year-old child was recently found to have four viruses at once: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), adenovirus, and rhinovirus. He stressed that basic protective measures, such as wearing masks, are still necessary, even during summer vacation, as children often gather in after-school programs and summer camps.

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Respiratory viruses have not disappeared just because of the summer vacation; basic protective measures like wearing masks are still essential.

Huang noted that many hospitals now offer "multiplex PCR" tests, which can detect multiple respiratory pathogens simultaneously with high accuracy, yielding results in about an hour. He advised parents to seek medical attention if their child has a persistent high fever to identify the specific virus and ensure proper treatment.

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Currently, 'all viruses are present' in Taiwan.

Influenza also remains a concern, with some young children experiencing severe muscle inflammation and leg pain after infection. Huang explained that both types A and B influenza can affect muscle cells, leading to significantly elevated muscle enzymes. In severe cases, this can cause kidney problems, emphasizing the importance of adequate hydration to help the kidneys flush out substances.

Regarding COVID-19, Huang stated that while the current wave is at a plateau, its peak is lower than anticipated. He recommended that eligible individuals get vaccinated against COVID-19 now, as well as influenza vaccines, which are expected in October. He urged the public to maintain personal protection, be aware of infection risks in public spaces, and take precautions when interacting with sick individuals.

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The peak height of this year's summer epidemic was about half of what was originally expected, indicating that the summer epidemic has been controlled to a certain extent.