Hospitals experience a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) due to COVID 19 restrictions

Hospitals nationwide are seeing a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a seasonal cold and flu-like respiratory illness that can be dangerous to children five years and younger as well as older adults said to be immunocompromised.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), RSV can lead to lower respiratory infections including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. If infected, children six months and younger may require hospitalization. Children at high risk include premature infants; infants six months and younger; children under two years of age with chronic lung or congenital heart disease; children with suppressed immune disorders; and children with neuromuscular disorders.

Older adults said to be at high risk include those 65 and older with chronic lung and heart disease and adults with weakened immune systems. RSV can also be problematic for anyone with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure.

The CDC listed RSV symptoms as a runny nose; a decreased appetite; a cough; a fever; irritability; sneezing; wheezing; and in severe cases difficulty breathing. Symptoms are said to appear in stages. Contagion lasts three to eight days. Most children will have an RSV infection before the age of two.

Dr. Mobeen Rathore, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at The University of Florida’s College of Medicine, described RSV as a right of passage for most children two years of age and younger. Once infected, the disease is “manageable to treat.”

Health officials are giving COVID 19 restrictions a nod for the recent uptick of cases, claiming a lack of exposure.

Dr. Rathore explained that more cases are being diagnosed as more children are becoming exposed to RSV now as opposed to the tenure of COVID 19 lockdowns.

“During the pandmic, as we protected ourselves and our communities by wearing masks, social distancing, not going to school and staying home when sick, we were decreasing the chance of transmission of many infections, not only COVID. As a result, many children were not exposed to this virus.”

Dr. Rathore added that even older children are now contracting RSV at increasing rate and re-infections can occur.

“Even older adults,” he continued. “But everyone has to get it in order to build up an immunity to this viral infection.”

Dr. Rathore explained that children who meet the criteria of being high risk are given a preventative treatment of immunoglobulin once a month for five months - a protocol that’s been done for “decades.” He also said that most children diagnosed with RSV don’t get very sick.

“It’s just like a cold,” he said. “A smaller number of children do get sick enough to get medical attention and even smaller number get admittied to the hospital. I don’t want parents to be overly concerned that every child who gets RSV is going to get terribly ill.”

According to the CDC, more than 7,000 tests came back positive - nationwide - for RSV last week alone. The Florida Department of Health says that Florida’s RSV statistics are running parallel in comparison. Dr. Rathore said that Northeast Florida’s season for RSV also lasts longer due to the state’s “tempid” climate.

To date, a vaccine is not available to prevent RSV, therefore prevention is key. Parents of young children are encouraged keep theirs - and their childrens’ - hands clean. Additional suggestions include washing hands with soap and water often; using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching your face, including eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid all close contact with sick people; covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing; disinfecting hard surfaces; disinfecting common public surfaces; and staying home when sick.

Dr. Rathore reminds parents that both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to children 6 months and older and encourages parents to have a discussion with their doctors on the parameters of RSV and ways to treat it.

Parents who think their child may infected with RSV are encouraged to call their pediatricians. Those experiencing severe symptoms including difficulty should be taken to the nearest Emergency Center.