It all began with a fever. First, it hit 102, then 103. Before we knew it, my son’s temperature reached a concerning 104. Hours later, a cough emerged—an unsettling rasp that didn’t seem alarming at first. My primary concern was his fever, which stubbornly refused to budge. We tried everything: Tylenol, ibuprofen, and sponge baths—but nothing worked to lower his temperature. He became increasingly lethargic, a mere shadow of his usual self. So, I took him to the doctor. The test for COVID came back negative, but he tested positive for the common cold. We were advised to wait it out.
Three days passed, then another day. The cough worsened, and I grew increasingly anxious about his labored breathing. I decided to return to the pediatrician. “Something isn’t right,” I insisted. “His fever won’t go down, and his cough is alarming. I’m worried about his breathing.”
They conducted additional tests, took more swabs, and sent him for a chest x-ray labeled “STAT.” By 5:00 PM, we received the unsettling news: my son was battling three viruses—the common cold, parainfluenza, and RSV. These viruses had taken residence in his chest, leading to pneumonitis, a form of pneumonia.
When did this occur, you might ask? Just two weeks ago, during the summer when such viruses are usually dormant. It seems my son wasn’t the only one affected. As COVID restrictions ease, viruses that typically hibernate during warmer months are making a comeback.
“As masks come off, schools reopen, and travel resumes, we should prepare for a resurgence of these viruses,” an article on STAT notes. Experts worry we may face a rough cold-and-flu season or two due to various factors affecting our return to a world filled with mixed microbes.
In fact, this re-entry has already shown troubling signs. Earlier this month, the CDC issued a warning that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was detected more frequently in ten Southern states. Cases have also increased in Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and New York City, particularly in Brooklyn.
RSV is the leading cause of bronchial infections and pneumonia in children under one year old, typically peaking from November to early spring. It can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, with severe cases requiring hospitalization.
Fortunately, my son recovered at home. However, RSV isn’t the only virus circulating, as my pediatrician informed me, as evidenced by my son’s viral panel. Many “seasonal” illnesses have re-emerged. Dr. Alice Johnson, an infectious disease expert, recently told News Channel 5 that more people are experiencing sore throats, coughs, and colds now that mask mandates are lifted.
“Last year, due to our stringent masking and social distancing, and with kids out of school, we experienced the lowest flu season on record,” Dr. Johnson stated. RSV rates were also at an all-time low, and I personally didn’t experience a single sniffle in 2020. For the first time in ages, I felt completely healthy. But with restrictions easing, germs are now free to circulate. The CDC anticipates that respiratory viruses will spread more widely this summer as people relax COVID safety measures and return to normal routines.
Make no mistake: I’m delighted that people are getting vaccinated against COVID and that life is returning to a semblance of normalcy. My son is back in daycare, and my daughter is attending school, which feels miraculous. My husband has also returned to work, with masks now optional for vaccinated employees. We are reconnecting with others, though our social bubble remains small. All of this is wonderful, and I am grateful for every shared meal, beach outing, and day spent together.
However, we must remain vigilant, as COVID is still a threat and RSV, along with other flu-like viruses, is on the rise. While we may not stop the spread of these illnesses entirely, we can do our part. If you feel unwell, wear a mask. Better yet, stay home. And keep your little ones at home too. After all, every parent knows that a sick child is a heavy burden, whether it’s from COVID or the common cold. For more on this topic, consider checking out other posts like this one. Also, for authoritative information, visit this resource and check out this excellent center.
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In summary, as we navigate this post-COVID world, it’s crucial to stay aware of the resurgence of common illnesses. My son’s experience serves as a reminder to prioritize health and safety for our families.