By Jennifer MillmanNBC
New York
A common respiratory virus that can make children (and some adults) seriously ill is worrying doctors because it emerged much earlier than usual this year and is already overwhelming hospitals across the country.
The availability of beds in pediatric clinics is exhausted in almost half a dozen states due to the atypical influx of cases of this virus, which have tripled in the last two months, reaching record levels since 2021, according to health authorities.
Data from the CDC show that cases of RSV detected by PCR tests have tripled in the last two months.
Case numbers have already reached peak levels from 2021, according to CDC data.
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But at a time when many people are conditioned to assume that any cold-like ailment is probably COVID-19 or the flu, pediatricians and health authorities want to make sure parents know more about RSV so they can identify symptoms in their children and know what to do about it.
Here are some things you should know.
What is RSV?
Some basic facts
Respiratory syncytial virus (abbreviated RSV in Spanish and RSV in English) is a common ailment that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Most people recover in a week or two, but the virus can be serious, particularly for infants and older adults.
The virus typically peaks in winter, but this year it started circulating from the summer, surprising and worrying doctors, and likely reflecting how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected patterns of other conditions such as is.
The CDC indicates that the season typically begins between mid-September and mid-November and peaks between late December and mid-February.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis
(inflammation of the airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (lung infection) in children under one year of age in the United States.
According to the CDC, each year RSV causes approximately:
2.1 million visits to the doctor among children under 5 years of age.
58,000 hospitalizations among children under 5 years of age.
177,000 hospitalizations among adults older than 65 years.
14,000 deaths among adults over the age of 65.
Between 100 and 300 deaths in children under 5 years of age.
How is it diagnosed and what are the symptoms?
Like the coronavirus, RSV can be diagnosed with an antigen test or PCR.
The most common test is a mouth swab or a blood test that evaluates the count of white blood cells, which are affected by viruses.
In severe cases, additional tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans may be needed to assess for possible pulmonary complications.
The symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19, the cold and the flu.
According to the CDC, people typically show symptoms within four to six days of infection.
They can include a runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and decreased appetite.
Symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.
Almost all children have had an RSV infection, diagnosed or not, by their second birthday, according to the CDC.
In young babies, irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties may be the only symptoms.
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How is it transmitted and how can it be treated?
RSV transmission is also similar to that of COVID-19 and cold-like illnesses.
This virus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, because the virus droplets that are emitted can enter the eyes, nose or mouth of another person;
stay on a surface like a doorknob;
or brought to the face after touching it without washing hands.
The contagious period usually lasts three to eight days, but in cases involving some infants or immunocompromised adults, RSV can spread for up to a month, even when patients no longer show symptoms.
There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, but researchers are working to develop antivirals and vaccines.
A drug called Palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV disease in children, but according to the CDC it does not treat severe disease or prevent infection.
How can symptoms be prevented or relieved?
Over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help control fever and pain, although parents should never give their children aspirin.
Also, make sure infected people stay well hydrated.
Here's what the CDC has to say about prevention, which should sound familiar in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper sleeve, not your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid close contact with other people, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.
Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and mobile devices.
When possible, people with cold-like symptoms should avoid interacting with children who are at high risk for severe illness from RSV.
If they can't, they should follow prevention steps and make sure they don't kiss high-risk children while they have symptoms.