What is RSV & What are the Symptoms?
RSV symptoms in adults can resemble a cold, but in some small children, they can be hazardous.According to Rachel Orscheln, director of ambulatory paediatric infectious diseases at St Louis Children's Hospital, symptoms include a cough, congestion, runny nose, fever, as well as wheezing in young newborns.RSV can cause bronchiolitis, a condition characterized by a buildup of pulmonary inflammation and breathing difficulties, in those who are most susceptible to it. RSV does not currently have a vaccine, but researchers are working to create one.Because respiratory viruses commonly peak in the winter and share many of the same symptoms as the flu, it can be challenging to distinguish between RSV, coronavirus, and these illnesses.
But in order to decide the best course of treatment, doctors can diagnose patients using tests.Sonali Advani, an assistant professor of medicine at Duke University's Division of Infectious Diseases, advised parents to speak with their child's doctor if they start to have concerns, particularly if they notice worsening symptoms, have trouble breathing, or are having trouble drinking fluids.
Why is There a Rise in RSV and Flu Cases?
According to experts, the coronavirus pandemic's preventative measures, such as social withdrawal, mask use, and other hygiene precautions, likely protected some kids from exposure to the flu and their first RSV infection, which the majority of kids typically experience by the age of two.They can now be more susceptible to infection as a result.
The "perfect storm" that resulted from an earlier RSV season and more severe flu infections is "flooding our paediatric capacity," according to Daniel Rauch, the chief of Paediatric Hospital Medicine at Tufts Medicine in Massachusetts.According to him, the coronavirus pandemic's reduction in pediatric hospital beds—which was done to make room for adults who are more susceptible to developing life-threatening illnesses from Covid—has made the situation worse.According to some experts, it is unlikely that the problems will be resolved anytime soon because close contact during the winter holiday season may increase the likelihood of viral transmission.
How to Stay Safe?
One of the greatest ways to protect yourself from some of the respiratory ailments that are going around is to be vaccinated against COVID and the flu, specialists told the BBC.Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House Co-ordinator for Communicable Diseases, urged Americans to "make protecting our loved ones an important part of the conversation we have around the Thanksgiving table." US infectious disease chief Dr. Anthony Fauci said the flu vaccine was "well matched" to the circulating strain.
A quick Covid test on the morning of the winter holiday celebrations could provide an additional degree of security, according to Dr. Malley.During large family gatherings, he continued, parents should make sure that everybody serving food is symptom-free and handling it hygienically.dditionally encouraged are handwashing and refraining from touching your face or lips.Dr. Rauch advised skipping the family reunion this year if you were sick. Don't mention it to anyone else, please.
According to Dr. Rauch, parents and kids should wear masks while traveling on airplanes, trains, and other forms of public transportation, as well as during gatherings where they are unsure whether others are immunized.
In the interim, paediatric hospitals are "getting creative" and finding additional space for patients while striving to keep circumstances as normal as possible, according to Amy Knight, president of the Children's Hospital Association, which represents more than 220 institutions across the US.Everybody dislikes having a sick child, she remarked.It is a very stressful time, but many people have also been understanding in realizing the hospital has a big challenge and a big job, and they are thankful to be there and to have the care.