RSV infection threats increase children hospitalization in the U.S.

There are no specific treatments for this new virus that attacks vulnerable children. Recently, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) has been found to be showing up in 42 states in the U.S. RSV is a virus that acts like mild cold symptoms: runny nose, cough, and fever that can eventually lead to severe breathing problems for patients who have a weaker immune system.

Doctors and hospitals see the number of hospitalized patients increasing due to RSV since the Covid-19 restrictions eased in the summer of 2021. Most U.S. children who are as young as 2 years old can catch the RSV infection. If there is no remedy for the virus then what shall we do for now? The current recommendation includes getting updated flu vaccines and staying current on the Covid-19 vaccine and boosters. This RSV can spread for up to four weeks and some low-immunity persons or babies are at risk.

The problem with this virus is that anyone can be infected. From babies to those over 65 years old adults who have weak immunity.

According to PBS,

“Among U.S. kids under age 5, RSV typically leads to 58,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 deaths in a year. For adults 65 and older, RSV causes 177,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths yearly. For babies, the struggle to breathe can interfere with eating. And that’s really when we start to worry,” said Dr. Melanie Kitagawa of Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, where more than 40 children have RSV.

“They’re breathing fast, breathing deep. We see them using muscles in their chest to help them breathe,” Kitagawa said. “These are kids who are having difficulty taking a bottle because their breathing is being impacted and they can’t coordinate both at once.”

If anyone gets RSV or like RSV symptoms, do not hesitate and call 911 or go to the emergency room in the hospital.

For the Covid-19 booster shot appointment, go to your pharmacy and ask for a vaccine appointment. For example, to make an appointment online, go to www.harristeeter.com/rx or call 1-866-211-5320 if you are a customer of this pharmacy.

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