RSV Archives - Milwaukee Community Journal

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Flu cases are surging across the United States, pushing hospitals to capacity and forcing school closures in multiple states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 24 million people have been infected this season, with 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. The latest data show flu activity continues to rise, with ten states and New York City experiencing the highest levels. Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are seeing widespread outbreaks. In New York City alone, more than 51,000 flu tests returned positive during the week ending January 25, a six percent increase from the previous week. Flu-related hospitalizations in the city rose by 11 percent, with 3,000 people admitted in one week.

Schools nationwide are being forced to shut down as outbreaks spread among students and staff. Nearly a dozen schools have temporarily closed, with administrators struggling to contain the rapid spread of illness. Doctors and public health officials warn that a pause in communication from the federal government has disrupted efforts to track and contain the flu. On January 21, the Trump administration halted external messaging from health agencies, delaying critical updates. While some messaging has resumed, health professionals say the interruption has made it harder to track infection patterns and prepare for surges.

CDC continues to urge vaccinations for everyone six months and older and emphasizes the importance of early antiviral treatment for those at higher risk. The agency is also monitoring co-circulating respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and RSV, which are contributing to the strain on hospitals. “Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated and continues to increase across the country,” the CDC stated in its latest report.

By Frederick Kuo

As RSV cases continue to spike across parts of the U.S. — with some areas nearing seasonal peak levels — those typical “bugs” your child brings home may have you feeling on edge. With so much swirling around these days, it can be difficult to know what’s behind a constant cough, especially if your child is very young.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can include symptoms similar to a common cold. However, the virus can develop into something more serious. RSV can infect people of all ages but is most severe for older adults and young children.

Usually almost every child under the age of 2 has been exposed to RSV, but due to all the pandemic response over the last few years, kids have not been exposed as much to RSV. That is one of the reasons why we are seeing such a spike this year, as well as RSV in children older than 2.

Symptoms

RSV symptoms may vary and typically begin four to six days after infection. The most common symptoms might include:

Runny nose
Low appetite
Coughing
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing

For young infants with RSV, they might be irritable, sluggish or find it harder to breathe.

Your pediatrician will be able to figure out whether it’s a common cold, COVID-19 or RSV, if you have concerns about symptoms your child is showing. They might perform tests, like chest X-rays, to see if pneumonia has developed.

When should you call a doctor?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes an increase in RSV-associated emergency room visits. However, most cases will go away on their own in a week or two. Symptoms are typically at their worst on days three to five of infection. Only 3% of children with RSV will require a hospital stay.

If symptoms become severe, contact your pediatrician right away. This may include:

Symptoms of bronchiolitis
Symptoms of dehydration (only one wet diaper in 8 hours or more)
Difficulty breathing
Gray or blue lips, tongue or skin
A significant decrease in activity or alertness

Even though RSV is common, and it might seem difficult to figure out how severe it will become, there are some risk factors parents should be aware of.

Children who are born premature or are 6 months old or younger are most at-risk for RSV complications
Children with chronic heart or lung disease, or a weaker immune system, can also be susceptible to RSV

Treatment

There’s currently no vaccine to prevent RSV and no specific treatment for the infection. As stated, most cases will resolve on their own. However, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms:

Manage pain and fever with over-the-counter medications (consult your pediatrician for guidance and never give aspirin to children)
Drink plenty of fluids
Nasal salineto help with breathing
Cool-mist humidifier to help break up mucus

Talk to your health care provider before you give any over-the-counter cold medicine to your child.

How it spreads

RSV is typically spread through coughs and sneezes, but can spread when someone touches a surface that has the virus on it and then touches their face, before washing their hands.

The following tips may help reduce your family’s risk:

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hands
Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick
Wash your hands frequently
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home
If you’re sick, stay home

The best way to avoid transmission of RSV is what we have been doing very well over the last few years: Scrupulous hand hygiene with washing our hands frequently with soap and water, and cleaning the surfaces small hands get to, like doorknobs and handles. Also, wear a mask if you have any respiratory symptoms.

With the knowledge of what RSV may look like — and how it is different from other viruses — you’ll be able to take steps to keep your child as healthy as possible all year round.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Dr. Frederick Kuo, MD, MBA, is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare, Northern California.

The post What Parents Should Know About RSV, A Respiratory Virus first appeared on Post News Group. This article originally appeared in Post News Group.