(Atlantic) Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV cases are running significantly higher than two years ago.
Dr. Elaine Berry, Family Physician and Chief Medical Officer at Cass Health, said in August, 43-cases of RSV were diagnosed at Cass Health compared to 19-cases two years ago. Dr. Berry says the reason for the high number of cases is unknown, but there are many theories. “Some people think because everyone did such a great job of wearing masks and avoiding each other all last winter because of COVID, weren’t passing around the other viruses,” stated Dr. Berry. “Now that people aren’t masking as much and getting out and socializing again, all of those viruses are starting to spread again, so here we are.”
Dr. Berry says RSV is an acute respiratory virus somewhat like a cold, and it can affect people of all ages. She says everyone gets the virus multiple times throughout their entire life. “This virus could become dangerous among children under the age of two, and especially amongst children one year of age or younger,” said Dr. Berry. “Their respiratory tracts aren’t as big, and when the swelling occurs, it causes more symptoms. They can start wheezing, and their oxygen level drops and those types of things.”
Dr. Berry says early detection isn’t going to change anything because treating RSV is what people in the medical profession call supportive. “Some children contracting RSV have a runny nose, and a cough, and a cold,” said Dr. Berry. “RSV can hit other people harder, makes them wheeze, and experience lower oxygen levels. Unfortunately, there is no prevention, and it affects people in different ways.”
Dr. Berry says the virus can also adversely affect the older population or people with other conditions such as bad asthmas, COPD, and emphysema.
The symptoms can vary from a runny nose and a cold to breathing distress, such as wheezing, low oxygen, and possibly hospitalization.
Dr. Berry says proper handwashing is one prevention method, as it is transmitted by an infected person touching their mouth or nose and touching another person or a surface. She says If you’re sick, stay home and don’t spread it.
