With the arrival of low temperatures and increased seasonal viruses, Chilean Pediatrics Society (Sochipe) performed the Autumn winter Day 2025a key encounter to update knowledge about the main Respiratory viruses that affect children in Chile. In the instance, issues such as bronchiolitis, influenza, COVID-19 were addressed, the use of monoclonal antibody Nursseinfections by Mycoplasma and the valid vaccination campaign.
The doctor Leonor JofréPresident of the Sochipe Infectology Branch, warned about the High circulation of respiratory viruses as influence, COVID-19 y rinoviruswhich are already causing a sustained increase in outpatient consultations and pediatric hospitalizations. “Influenza can lead to serious pneumonies, seizures, encephalitis and even require mechanical ventilation,” he said, stressing that Children are the main reservoir and virus transmitters.
One of the outstanding topics was the impact of Nersevimab antibodythat for 2024 helped Reduce hospitalizations by syncotational respiratory virus (VRS). New more severe clinical presentations of infections were also reviewed by Mycoplasmaas well as treatment strategies with metapneumovirus.
Despite the stage, the vaccination rate is still low: Just 16% for COVID-19 and 60% for influenza, worrying figures for specialists. The doctor Juanita Zamoranoalso a Sochipe member, made an urgent call to vaccinate the target population: Children from six months, people with chronic diseases and older adults. “The influenza vaccine takes two weeks to generate immunitythat’s why the moment to get vaccinated is now, ”he emphasized.
From Sochipe they also reinforced preventive measures such as Do not send sick children to schoolfoster the Frequent handwashing, forearmkeep the Respiratory hygiene and consider the Use of mask in closed or busy spaces If the child tolerates it.
