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Pediatricians in the St. Louis area have reported that the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases they are seeing is unusually high for this time of year. Rate increases are typically seen in the colder winter months of December and January (KSDK). According to CDC data, cases have been rising nationwide since June (CDC). RSV is a virus that causes infections in the respiratory tract and can have worse outcomes among infants and young children. It is a common virus that can infect individuals of all ages, but the worst outcomes occur among newborns and can require hospitalization (CDC).
WHAT WE KNOW
RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and in children. In rare cases, it can cause more severe symptoms among infants and children under 5, which may require hospitalization. Approximately 58,000 children are hospitalized for RSV each year (CDC).
Parents should seek medical attention for their child if the child is having symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
The CDC is currently reporting heightened rates of RSV, and hospitals are seeing higher rates of children admitted with RSV-related symptoms.
Children’s hospital beds around the country are filling up due to the increase in RSV cases. The most recent government data indicate that 75% of hospital beds are currently filled (NPR, Washington Post).
The reasons for this unusually early spike in cases are unknown. Scientists suggest it is partially due to an “immunity gap”: with COVID protective measures the last two winters, fewer people encountered RSV, and are now encountering it for the first time (NPR). The illness is worst with first-time contact, suggesting that these children are now experiencing heightened symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from these respiratory infectious diseases is to receive the flu shot and make sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
UNKNOWNS
Cases of RSV are increasing at the same time as flu rates are rising and researchers expect a winter spike in COVID-19 cases. Researchers and physicians are warning of the possibility of a “triple-demic” of COVID-19, flu, and RSV this winter (CBS News).
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YOU CAN SAY THIS...
Pediatricians in the St. Louis area have reported that the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases they are seeing is unusually high for this time of year. Rate increases are typically seen in the colder winter months of December and January (KSDK). According to CDC data, cases have been rising nationwide since June (CDC). RSV is a virus that causes infections in the respiratory tract and can have worse outcomes among infants and young children. It is a common virus that can infect individuals of all ages, but the worst outcomes occur among newborns and can require hospitalization (CDC).
WHAT WE KNOW
RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and in children. In rare cases, it can cause more severe symptoms among infants and children under 5, which may require hospitalization. Approximately 58,000 children are hospitalized for RSV each year (CDC).
Parents should seek medical attention for their child if the child is having symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
The CDC is currently reporting heightened rates of RSV, and hospitals are seeing higher rates of children admitted with RSV-related symptoms.
Children’s hospital beds around the country are filling up due to the increase in RSV cases. The most recent government data indicate that 75% of hospital beds are currently filled (NPR, Washington Post).
The reasons for this unusually early spike in cases are unknown. Scientists suggest it is partially due to an “immunity gap”: with COVID protective measures the last two winters, fewer people encountered RSV, and are now encountering it for the first time (NPR). The illness is worst with first-time contact, suggesting that these children are now experiencing heightened symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from these respiratory infectious diseases is to receive the flu shot and make sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
UNKNOWNS
Cases of RSV are increasing at the same time as flu rates are rising and researchers expect a winter spike in COVID-19 cases. Researchers and physicians are warning of the possibility of a “triple-demic” of COVID-19, flu, and RSV this winter (CBS News).
SOURCE
HEARD IT
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YOU CAN SAY THIS...
Pediatricians in the St. Louis area have reported that the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases they are seeing is unusually high for this time of year. Rate increases are typically seen in the colder winter months of December and January (KSDK). According to CDC data, cases have been rising nationwide since June (CDC). RSV is a virus that causes infections in the respiratory tract and can have worse outcomes among infants and young children. It is a common virus that can infect individuals of all ages, but the worst outcomes occur among newborns and can require hospitalization (CDC).
WHAT WE KNOW
RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and in children. In rare cases, it can cause more severe symptoms among infants and children under 5, which may require hospitalization. Approximately 58,000 children are hospitalized for RSV each year (CDC).
Parents should seek medical attention for their child if the child is having symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
The CDC is currently reporting heightened rates of RSV, and hospitals are seeing higher rates of children admitted with RSV-related symptoms.
Children’s hospital beds around the country are filling up due to the increase in RSV cases. The most recent government data indicate that 75% of hospital beds are currently filled (NPR, Washington Post).
The reasons for this unusually early spike in cases are unknown. Scientists suggest it is partially due to an “immunity gap”: with COVID protective measures the last two winters, fewer people encountered RSV, and are now encountering it for the first time (NPR). The illness is worst with first-time contact, suggesting that these children are now experiencing heightened symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from these respiratory infectious diseases is to receive the flu shot and make sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
UNKNOWNS
Cases of RSV are increasing at the same time as flu rates are rising and researchers expect a winter spike in COVID-19 cases. Researchers and physicians are warning of the possibility of a “triple-demic” of COVID-19, flu, and RSV this winter (CBS News).
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