Published: December 24, 2024
Norton Children’s is seeing an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. Several hundred cases were diagnosed in December alone.
“We’re seeing a lot of RSV, and cases are continuing to go up. So emergency departments are very busy; pediatrician offices are very busy,” said Kristina A. Bryant, M.D., a pediatric infectious diseases physician with Norton Children’s Infectious Diseases. “This is a trend being seen statewide.”
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services respiratory disease dashboard shows RSV and other respiratory illnesses are increasing.
“Signs of severe illness that should prompt evaluation for medical care include trouble breathing, having bluish lips or a gray tint to the skin, or signs of dehydration,” Dr. Bryant said.
“I warn parents about the signs of respiratory distress,” said Mark A. Brockman Jr., M.D., a pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group. “The child will be breathing very fast. They’ll be sucking in on their ribs. They’ll be using their belly to breathe. The child will look in distress — it’s not subtle. That’s a reason to call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.”
If a child’s symptoms are not as severe, but cause concern, a parent always can call their child’s pediatrician.
“I always encourage parents to reach out as soon as they have any concern. We’ll see them right away,” Dr. Brockman said. “Especially when it comes to younger children, usually under the age of 2, I let parents know if they are concerned, I will see them right then and there.”
Norton Children’s is also noticing a swift uptick in flu. With many respiratory illnesses on the rise, one of the best ways families can protect their kids from illness is by getting vaccinated.
“As we look forward to the end-of-the-year holidays and families getting together, getting vaccinated before you gather with your family is one thing you can do to keep everybody healthy,” Dr. Bryant said. “It isn’t too late to get a flu shot.”
Dr. Bryant noted that an RSV shot is now available for infants under age 8 months.
For day-to-day actions people can take to try to stay healthy, Dr. Brockman recommends staying hydrated, using a humidifier, washing hands or using hand sanitizer, and avoiding large crowds, if possible.
RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. Every year, over 58,000 children under age 5 are hospitalized with the infection.