RSV cases have been on the rise throughout the country. Health care workers are already concerned about what this means for the coming weeks as hospitals and medical facilities struggle to keep up with the number of cases as hospital floors fill up. Here’s everything you need to know about the RSV surge:
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory illness. Although anyone can contract RSV, symptoms are most severe in children under the age of two and adults over the age of 65. The number of cases typically peaks in the winter, but this year cases started to approach peak rates already in September. While RSV resembles the common cold, it is also the leading cause of hospitalizations in all infants, according to the American Lung Association. RSV can also develop into bronchiolitis and pneumonia—both serious illnesses.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of RSV resemble the common cold, so how can you tell if you or your child may be dealing with a more serious illness? The American Lung Association says “a barking or wheezing cough can be one of the first signs of a more serious illness”. The Association also says to look for chest retractions or “caving-in,” nasal flaring, or abnormally fast heartbeats in infants. The CDC also advises parents to contact their doctor if they notice their child not eating or drinking enough as dehydration is more likely to lead to hospitalization for illnesses.
Cause for Concern
Although RSV is a seasonal illness that occurs every year, health care workers are expressing concern over how early, and how quickly, cases are rising. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with RSV in their pediatric units and many have had to turn patients away due to the limited number of beds available. Some hospitals, like the Connecticut Children’s Hospital, have even debated bringing in the National Guard to help care for patients.
Doctors are also concerned that some RSV cases are coinciding with cases of COVID-19 and the flu. When someone is diagnosed with two or more illnesses at the same time, it is labeled a “coinfection.” Coinfections with RSV were rare in the past but this year, more and more children and adults are being diagnosed with coinfections.
“There are some of us who are concerned we may have a tridemic” says William Schaffner, medical director for nonprofit National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and a professor of infectious diseases at that Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
How to prevent RSV
As of right now, there is no current vaccine against RSV although several are in development. However, it will likely take several years until the vaccines are approved for use. There is also no specific treatment for RSV although the drug palivizumab may be used to prevent severe illness in those most at risk. The CDC recommends the following suggestions to help stop the spread:
- Covering cough and sneezes.
- Wearing a mask.
- Washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
- Clean frequently used surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and play areas.
- Avoid close contact with others.
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When managing employee well-being and safety, use the solution thousands have trusted. WELLNESS TRACKER™ allows you to:
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Ever since Kokomo24/7® was founded in 2018, we have been a leader in compliance and risk management solutions for all things health and safety. Kokomo proudly serves workplaces, communities, and schools with continuity software solutions including surveys, case management, accreditation and vaccine tracking, guest management, notifications, occupancy management, anonymous reporting, and emergency operations. Our mission is to deliver highly effective, easy-to-use, and trusted compliance and risk management solutions that bridge the gap between public safety and technology.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/21/health/rsv-hospitals-what-to-know-wellness/index.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/surge-rsv-virus-fills-hospitals-can-severely-sicken-babies-rcna52082
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/10/21/rsv-spread-explained/
https://www.digitaljournal.com/life/respiratory-virus-in-children-as-well-as-flu-and-covid-is-soaring/article
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/rsv/learn-about-rsv
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/health/rsv-how-long-is-it-contagious-ny-doc-shares-symptoms-to-watch-in-kids-adults/3919924/
https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-pandemics-072e11e5e3af77aac19fe95773a69610
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