The recent warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mycoplasma pneumonia, or "walking pneumonia," among very young children have raised concerns among parents. However, experts suggest that this trend is not entirely unexpected and may be a reflection of the post-pandemic landscape.

Uncovering the Respiratory Resurgence: A Closer Look at the Data

The Uptick in Walking Pneumonia

The CDC has reported a notable increase in the rates of walking pneumonia, particularly among preschool-age children. Data shows that the share of children between ages 2 and 4 discharged from hospitals with walking pneumonia rose from 1% as of March 31 to 7.4% by October 5. A similar trend was observed among children aged 5 to 17, with the rate increasing from 3.6% to 7.4%. This spike in walking pneumonia cases among younger age groups is a significant departure from previous years.

The Shifting Patterns of RSV

While RSV season is just beginning, the CDC has already observed "signs of increased RSV activity" in the Southeast, where cases typically start to rise first. In the past, RSV infection rates have peaked in mid-December, but the pandemic has altered this pattern. Dr. Larry Kociolek, an associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine, explains that since COVID-19, RSV has been occurring earlier in the year. This is likely due to the fact that babies born during the pandemic were not exposed to infections like RSV, and when COVID-19 measures were lifted, these young children experienced their first exposures to the virus, kickstarting the chain of transmission earlier than usual.

Unraveling the Underlying Causes

The surge in respiratory illnesses among young children can be attributed to a combination of factors. The post-pandemic landscape has played a significant role, as the measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 also shielded babies and toddlers from exposure to other viruses and bacteria. Dr. Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist at Children's Health, explains that the higher numbers observed this year are primarily due to the fact that in the last few years, young children have experienced fewer illnesses.Additionally, the rise in walking pneumonia among younger age groups can be partly attributed to their exposure to school-age siblings who are bringing these pathogens home. Walking pneumonia is highly contagious and spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes. Most people will not develop symptoms for two to four weeks after exposure, but they remain contagious during this period and until their symptoms resolve. Sharma also notes that rates of walking pneumonia tend to surge every few years, and the U.S. is currently experiencing an uptick, with a slightly younger demographic being affected.

Navigating the Respiratory Landscape: Treatments and Preventative Measures

The good news is that there are highly effective treatments and preventative measures available for both RSV and walking pneumonia. For RSV, a severe infection can be prevented with a vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy, and babies who are 19 months and younger can now receive an antibody injection to protect them.While walking pneumonia may sound concerning, it is important to note that the term "walking" refers to the fact that most children with this condition are up and walking around. It typically causes cold- or COVID-like symptoms, including a stuffy nose and a cough, and poses little severe risk to children on its own. Unlike COVID-19, walking pneumonia is a known pathogen, and it can be easily treated with antibiotics. Sharma recommends seeking medical attention if a child's cough is not improving after five to seven days, so they can be tested and prescribed the appropriate medications if they have mycoplasma pneumonia.By understanding the underlying causes and the available treatments and preventative measures, parents can navigate this respiratory resurgence with confidence and ensure the well-being of their young children.