Respiratory Viruses Surge Among Children in Israel During Peak Summer

Clalit Health Services reports an unusual spike in respiratory virus infections among children during the summer, a period typically associated with lower respiratory illness rates. According to Dr. Shiri Barkan Perl, a pediatric specialist at Clalit, about one in every two children visiting clinics in the past month has been diagnosed with a respiratory virus. Symptoms commonly include fever, cough, and runny nose, with the illnesses appearing earlier than usual, starting mid-July instead of the typical autumn season.

Dr. Barkan Perl addressed common assumptions linking the rise in cases to air conditioning use but noted that while air conditioners are used every summer, such a high incidence of respiratory viruses at this time is unprecedented. She emphasized that the current outbreak is exceptional both in timing and scale compared to previous years.

The pediatrician also differentiated between viral respiratory infections and bacterial throat infections like streptococcal pharyngitis, highlighting that viral cases usually present with cough, runny nose, and sometimes eye discharge, whereas bacterial infections typically cause fever and sore throat without nasal symptoms. For children under three, testing for streptococcus is generally not pursued due to the low risk of complications and limited antibiotic use.

Parents are advised to monitor their children's behavior alongside fever, seeking medical attention if the child remains lethargic or unresponsive even after the fever subsides, or if breathing difficulties arise. Regarding persistent cough, Dr. Barkan Perl explained that it often results from post-nasal drip or airway sensitivity and that no effective medication exists to eliminate it. Symptom relief can be achieved with saline nasal rinses and honey for children over one year old, alongside rest and care.

This early and intense wave of respiratory illnesses among children during summer highlights the need for vigilance and appropriate medical consultation despite the season.