The emergency room of theSantobono pediatric hospital di Napoli is experiencing a moment of strong attendance, with a number of accesses almost double compared to the usual averages.
The head of the emergency room, Vincenzo Tipo, told news agencies that the number of children arriving in emergency situations has risen from the usual 200 admissions per day to the current average of 320, with a peak of 420 arrivals on December 26.
"This situation," Tipo explained, "has put a severe strain on the emergency room organization during this Christmas and New Year's holiday season. We are experiencing the peak of the respiratory syncytial virus, which causes bronchiolitis in young children.
This virus is now going hand in hand with severe influenza. Together, they cause respiratory problems for very young children, who often require oxygen therapy due to their respiratory problems. The flu then affects older children, causing high fevers and resistance to standard antipyretics, conditions that They make parents scared. And this virus then often leads to bronchitis."
Covid, on the other hand, is not the main cause of overcrowding in the emergency room. The spread of the virus among children is very low and not serious.
Staff holiday plan changed
To accommodate the sudden increase in admissions, Santobono had to modify its staff's vacation plan. We asked doctors and nurses if they would be willing to return to work, if possible, and many agreed. We had a strong response from doctors and nurses, which allowed us to work effectively in the emergency room., Tipo said.
The head physician then concluded with an appeal to families: We hope the infection rate will decline, but this isn't expected until mid-February. I remind families that it's important to try to protect their children because viruses these days are highly contagious. Large gatherings should be avoided, and if you absolutely must visit crowded spaces, it's best to wear a mask.
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