As RSV cases continue to rise quickly, one hospital in Cortland has been forced to divert patients for now because they’re at capacity.
Dr. Andreia de Lima, Vice President of Medical Affairs for Cayuga Health, spoke with WENY News about the issue.
De Lima explained that RSV cases are a national problem, which translates into a regional problem. She said RSV can infect anyone, but infants and older adults are at the highest risk for severity. Her hospital has already seen a spike in cases and it’s early in the season.
“Every winter, we do have an RSV spike, but this year it has been more pronounced,” de Lima said. “We are already seeing high volumes of patients, and that causes some concern about what the winter is going to look like.”
De Lima says that her hospital has been able to accommodate most patients that have shown up at Cayuga. The emergency room has increased staffing and is open 24/7.
De Lima is urging the public to get their flu shots and COVID vaccines to help protect yourself and your loved ones from falling ill. RSV does not currently have a vaccine or a treatment. At the moment hospitals give supportive treatment for severe symptoms in those who become severely ill with the virus.
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