Q: What is RSV and why am I hearing so much more about it this year than I can ever remember? How do I avoid it, and how do I avoid spreading it?
Last fall, there was a lot of talk and concern about a possible “twindemic”—a scary surge of both COVID-19 and influenza cases at the same time. That did not seem to be the case, as flu levels were low last year.
Now, the frightening idea of a “tripledemic” seems to be upon us. I have been seeing it in my own practice the last few weeks … COVID, flu and, yes, RSV!
This time of year, I always get inundated with many calls from patients with runny nose, dry cough, sore throat and low-grade fever. Everyone wants to know what they have, what to expect and how to get better immediately. Unfortunately these symptoms are common to many cold viruses, including RSV (otherwise known as respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19 and others, including rhinovirus.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there were very few RSV infections due to mask wearing and physical distancing. These measures kept this virus at bay until the spring of 2021 when more infections began to appear.
This fall, there has been a marked increase in both RSV and also influenza, leading to more infants and kids being hospitalized with these respiratory infections. The infections are starting earlier in the season than usual. This is why you are hearing about the explosion in RSV cases.
Many babies who are usually exposed to RSV early in life did not get exposed during the early 18 months of the pandemic. After most of us went back to socializing and stopped wearing masks, we have seen many more cases.
RSV is so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Adults can also get RSV, although typically adults and healthy children have mild symptoms that mimic the common cold.
The worrisome groups are the infants less than 12 months, adults over 65, and those with other heart and lung conditions or a suppressed immune system. These patients may develop trouble breathing and may need to be hospitalized with pneumonia.
There are nasal swabs that your medical provider can do to help determine if you or your child’s condition is caused by RSV, influenza or COVID-19. Please call your medical provider early as some of these conditions have treatment that only help if started within a few days of falling ill.
Avoiding RSV is similar to avoiding all other viruses. Washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and keeping things clean, such as kitchen and bathroom counter tops, can stop the spread of germs. Not sharing drinking glasses this time of year and washing your kid’s toys regularly may also reduce exposure. Also, do not smoke, as babies who are exposed to smoke have been found to have a higher risk of getting RSV and potentially more severe symptoms.
To avoid spreading any of these conditions, it is best to stay at home if you’re sick. Work from home if possible, and isolate from others until your symptoms are improved. Stock up on nasal tissue and chicken soup, and this cough and cold season will be over before you know it.
Do you have a question you want to see answered by Dr. Raskin? Send it to mypost@palipost.com for consideration.
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