A sharp increase in cases of respiratory illnesses have the American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association asking for a national state of emergency.
RSV had a positivity rate of over 14% for the week of November 19-26. The peak last year was just over 8%.
Hospitals across the state are seeing a major uptick, but some are able the manage the number of cases. RSV has been around for years, and depending on where you are in the U.S., the level of severity may differ.
In addition to a high number of RSV cases, there is also a high number of flu cases. It is believed that the public’s response to COVID-19, with masks and social distancing, played a part in the severe cases this year.
Children are at risk of not only contracting one illness, but multiple illnesses at the same time. It may not make your child sicker, but you have to pay attention to their symptoms to be able to tell.
Some children may just have cold-like symptoms, and others may end up on a ventilator, with numerous cases landing in between those two outcomes. Those with severe symptoms or who are at risk of severe infection due to underlying health factors should seek medical attention.
If necessary, call 911, or take a trip to your local emergency room. If your child is not showing signs of distress, you can let it run its course and control fevers while keeping your child hydrated. Always consult your doctor.
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