Paduka — The number of RSV cases is increasing across the country. Respiratory syncytial virus, short for respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory disease that causes cold-like symptoms.
of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had more than 7,000 RSV cases in just one week this month. This is his highest one-week total in the last two years.
Locally, cases of RSV have also increased in the past few months.
Experts say the normal RSV season runs through the fall and winter, but hospitals have seen an increase in RSV cases since July.
The parents we spoke to are taking care of their children during this typical sick season.
The parents we spoke to are taking care of their children during this typical sick season.
We caught up with local mom Alison Carr at the playground on Monday with her family.
She wants to protect her children from diseases like RSV and was giving them a breath of fresh air on Monday.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom, so our kids are isolated most of the time,” Carr said.
Her children are under 3 years old. Young children, infants, and the elderly are more susceptible to RSV.
Doctors say parents like Carr need to watch for symptoms.
Dr. John Cecil of Baptist Health Primary Care said: “But we’ve had a couple who have been taken to the hospital, and we know it could be serious.”
However, these signs may not be sufficient when trying to pinpoint the disease.
Young children, infants, and the elderly are more susceptible to RSV.
A patient may also have the flu or a cold at the same time as RSV.
“Co-infections are really common,” says Holly Kimberlin, a nurse practitioner at Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital. “We often find positives for certain things and then don’t continue testing.”
Doctors say there are some steps you can take to prevent yourself from contracting the virus.
“Everything we’ve done for COVID so far will also help prevent RSV,” Cecil said. “Wash your hands. If you see someone unwell, stay away.”
Dr. John Cecil said, “Everything we’ve been doing with COVID in the last few years can also help prevent RSV.
Nurses also tell us to be careful in our interactions with friends, family and even strangers.
“I interact closely with my child, like kissing and holding hands,” Kimberlyn said. “And if you’re sick, please stay home.”
Communication with other family members is important for parents like Carr.
“If they’re around other kids, we try to talk to each other,” Carr said. ’ Because we won’t get together.”
Carr hopes that by taking these precautions, she will be able to keep her children safe and healthy.
We spoke with Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital and Baptist Health Paducah.
According to Lourdes Hospital, 143 RSV cases were confirmed between 1 September and 23 October.
There have been 49 cases since July, compared with 32 last year, according to Baptist Health Paducah.
A doctor at the same time last year said COVID-19 was the predominant virus. RSV, flu and colds were not prevalent.
But experts say they were surprised by the rise in RSV. The CDC is also reporting an early increase in seasonal influenza activity in most of the United States.
Doctors stress the importance of getting family members vaccinated against the flu to prevent more serious illness.
The local Lourdes Hospital is hosting an influenza clinic at the Family Services Society in Paducah on Wednesday, October 26th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
