Virus surge hits Whatcom County, here’s how to protect children from the respiratory virus
Respiratory syncytial virus infections, or RSV, have been surging across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control. RSV targets lungs and breathing passages, making young children especially susceptible.
Across the country, hospitals are reporting surges in the respiratory virus, amid flu season but the virus is also hitting Whatcom County, according to a local hospital.
There have been 20 cases of RSV in the last three months at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, according to an email from Beverly Mayhew, the senior director of marketing and communication for PeaceHealth’s northwest network. The hospital has also admitted one child.
“We expect to see more RSV cases between November and January, if our typical pattern holds,” the email states.
The UW Medicine Virology Lab has had nearly 90 cases of RSV from samples through the Puget Sound region as of Oct. 26, according to a UW Medicine press release.
The press release notes a significant increase of RSV cases compared to previous years and notes that those at the highest risk are children ages two and under.
Although RSV cases are surging, the virus is common and has typically has mild symptoms, “Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday,” the CDC website states.
Here are what symptoms you should look out for, and what you should do if you suspect an RSV infection.
RSV symptoms
RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, according to the CDC.
Most people recover within two weeks, but the virus can be more serious for young children and older adults.
About 25% to 40% of RSV cases in infants and young children, the virus spreads to the lungs can cause more serious health issues.
Here are a few common symptoms of RSV that typically show up between four to six days after becoming infected, according to the CDC:
▪ Fever.
▪ Coughing.
▪ Sneezing.
▪ Runny nose.
▪ Decrease in appetite.
▪ Wheezing.
What to do if you have RSV symptoms
As RSV is a common virus, it usually goes away on its own within one or two weeks, according to the CDC.
There is currently no vaccine or medication for RSV, but the CDC recommends a few ways to relieve symptoms of the virus:
▪ Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
▪ Manage pain and fevers with over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
▪ Before giving your child nonprescription cold medicine, talk to your healthcare provider.
RSV can also cause more serious health complications that may require hospitalization.
RSV can cause pneumonia or a lung infection, as well as bronchiolitis, inflammation of the airways in the lung. For children under one year old, RSV is the most common cause of these illnesses, according to the CDC.
Older adults over the age of 65 or who have weak immune systems or chronic heart and lung diseases are also at high risk for RSV.
Over 177,000 older adults are hospitalized and 14,000 die every year in the United States from RSV, according to the CDC.
If you or your child are having trouble breathing or have extreme dehydration, seek medical help.
How to prevent RSV
The CDC suggests a few ways to prevent RSV from spreading:
▪ Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
▪ Do not cover your mouth or nose with your hands while coughing or sneezing. Instead use a tissue, shirt sleeve, or other covering.
▪ Avoid close contact with others to limit the spread of germs, such as sharing cups, using the same eating utensils as others, shaking hands and kissing.
▪ Clean frequently-touched surfaces.
▪ Avoid touching a young child’s face with unwashed hands.
▪ Limit your children’s time spent in facilities such as childcare centers.
▪ Stay home when you are sick or have symptoms of sickness.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases also advises you to talk to a healthcare professional if you have cold-like symptoms that linger or worsen.
This story was originally published October 27, 2022 at 11:49 AM.
