(Some information adapted from Tacoma Pierce County Health Department)
Fall is here with the arrival of cooler weather and leaves turning all shades of red, orange and yellow. Fall also marks the arrival of respiratory virus season.
According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospitals across the nation are at or near capacity, and at least 4,300 influenza patients were admitted to hospitals the last week of October (the highest in a decade for that time and nearly double compared to the week before).
While the flu season is in full swing, COVID-19 is still circulating in Benton and Franklin Counties. This year, with influenza, COVID, and the common cold, we also need to be vigilant for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, referred to as RSV.
RSV is a common virus but the CDC reports higher-than-expected numbers and more severe cases this fall. “It’s important to be cautious. Our community in Benton and Franklin counties are already seeing a rise in RSV and Influenza (Flu) is trending to be eight weeks early,” said Dr. Larry Jecha, Interim Health Officer, Benton-Franklin Health District.
In Benton and Franklin Counties, the rise in RSV cases has contributed to an increase in emergency room visits. It’s important to use the hospital when you truly need it to help prevent an overwhelming flood of patients. (With that said, if you feel like you are dealing with an emergency, do not hesitate to seek help.)
Healthcare providers at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma created a tool to help you decide whether to take your child to the ER, urgent care or treat at home.
What is RSV?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a virus that infects the respiratory tract. Most children are exposed to this virus within their first two years of life, which is the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children. However, anyone can get RSV, and the virus usually causes only mild cold-like symptoms in older children and adults but can cause severe illness in infants, especially premature babies,
About 58,000 U.S. children under five are hospitalized with RSV each year. CDC says 1-2% of children under six months who are infected with RSV may need to be hospitalized.
The CDC reported that while RSV is among the leading causes of hospitalization in young children, "the virus also poses a greater threat to senior citizens and immunocompromised adults."
RSV SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms depend on the severity, age and health of the person infected. The most common symptoms are:
- Coughing (Mild to severe)
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Decrease in appetite
In very young children, symptoms can be more hidden:
- Irritability
- Decreased activity
- Difficulty breathing
- Reduced energy during feeding
Other symptoms could include:
- Discoloration of skin
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing
How RSV spreads:
- Someone who has RSV coughs or sneezes.
- You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing a child's face with RSV.
- You touch a surface with the virus, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands.
People infected with RSV could be contagious one or two days before showing symptoms and are usually contagious for three to eight days.
Populations most at-risk:
Everyone should take precautions this respiratory season. But some groups are especially at risk and more vulnerable to severe illness:
- Infants, especially premature infants and children with underlying health conditions
- Children under five years (especially under two years).
- Adults 65 years or older.
- Those who are pregnant.
- Anyone with a health condition like asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease or heart disease.
Steps to keep your family safe:
There is no vaccine yet to prevent RSV infection, but scientists are working hard to develop one. And there is a medicine that can help protect some babies at high risk for severe RSV disease. Healthcare providers usually give this medicine (called palivizumab) to very premature infants and young children with certain heart and lung conditions as a series of monthly shots during RSV season.
If you are concerned about your child’s risk for severe RSV infection, talk to your child’s healthcare provider. It's important to note there is no vaccine for RSV, but Pfizer plans to seek approval for one administered during pregnancy.
You can also help limit the spread of RSV just like you've done for COVID-19. Especially if you are around young children or older adults, take these steps:
- Stay home and away from vulnerable people when you are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, then wash your hands.
- Limit the time you spend in childcare centers or other potentially contagious settings.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be used if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If coughing and sneezing, consider wearing a mask when you must be around others.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces on a regular basis with a disinfectant that kills RSV.
- Consider wearing a mask around those most at risk.
Is there a treatment for RSV?
Since RSV is caused by a virus, antibiotics cannot be used to treat this infection. Over-the-counter medications can be used to manage the symptoms. It is vital to ensure adequate fluid intake and prevent dehydration.
Other ways to protect your family:
If you haven't already, get your flu shot and Bivalent COVID booster!
Now is also the time to get your updated COVID-19 booster. Bivalent Pfizer and Moderna boosters protect against both the original COVID-19 strain and omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. They provide the best protection against severe illness.
- Everyone five and older can get an updated booster two months after their last booster dose or primary series of vaccines.
- The Novavax booster is now available for people 18 and older who can't or don't want to get an mRNA vaccine.
Check Vaccine Locator and/or VaccineFinder to locate a provider near you. Find community pop-up locations COVID-19 Vaccine Information - Benton Franklin Health District (wa.gov).
How can you tell what fall illness you have?
Some health officials have described the confluence of influenza, RSV, and coronavirus as a "tripledemic." In addition to the common cold, it's four fall illnesses we need to be aware of.
This chart created by Benton-Franklin Health District breaks down the most common symptoms and how each virus is similar or different. (Disclaimer: This chart does not replace medical guidance.)
[Blog originally posted 11/07/2022; last edited 12/1/22]