Remember the isolation of 2020 when we were all diligently social distancing and wearing masks? Many people remarked, “I haven’t been sick in ages.” While being confined wasn’t enjoyable, the absence of illness was certainly a silver lining.
Fast forward to today, and things have changed. Although some of us continue to practice social distancing and wear masks, many have relaxed their precautions, especially after the vaccines became available. As schools, camps, and daycares reopened—sometimes without mask mandates—it created a perfect environment for various viruses to spread, including COVID-19 (thanks, Delta variant!). Among the most concerning is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which can be particularly severe for infants and young children.
RSV Is Spiking Early and Impacting Young Children
Typically, RSV cases rise in the fall, winter, and spring. However, by June, early indications showed a rise in cases much sooner than expected. The CDC issued a warning on June 10, noting a spike in RSV across the South and advising doctors to test children for RSV if they exhibited respiratory symptoms but tested negative for COVID-19. The memo highlighted that RSV infections had previously dipped to below-normal levels during the early pandemic due to safety precautions, but numbers have been gradually increasing since April 2021.
The CDC cautioned that older infants and toddlers might be more vulnerable to severe RSV cases, as most children typically encounter the virus multiple times during childhood, building immunity. An absence of exposure for over 15 months could mean that first-time infections are more serious.
Recognizing RSV Symptoms
Similar to other viruses, RSV can range from mild to severe. Nearly all children contract RSV in their early years, which helps them build immunity later. Therefore, RSV is usually less serious for older children and adults, though older adults can face severe consequences. The CDC reports that around 58,000 young children are hospitalized annually due to RSV, with 100 to 500 fatalities among those under five. These statistics are alarming and tragic.
For most, RSV resembles a cold, presenting symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough. Children may also develop a fever and experience fatigue and reduced appetite. However, RSV can significantly affect young children’s lungs, leading to wheezing, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis—a condition marked by inflammation of the small airways in the lungs.
One parent shared that their child’s experience with bronchiolitis was frightening. They required oral steroids and intensive nebulizer treatments, and even after recovery, they noticed lingering respiratory issues. According to the CDC, RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants under one year old. Hospitalized young patients often need assistance with breathing and hydration.
Distinguishing Between RSV and COVID-19
RSV and COVID-19 share several symptoms: congestion, runny nose, fever, and cough. Without testing, it can be challenging to differentiate between the two. If your child shows respiratory symptoms, you should seek a test. During the pandemic, it’s crucial to confirm any illness to prevent spreading COVID-19.
There are some differences that may help you identify RSV versus COVID-19. According to First Coast News, children with RSV may exhibit more significant breathing difficulties and are likely to show signs of irritability and reduced appetite. In contrast, children with COVID-19 may face longer-lasting symptoms, like “brain fog” and loss of taste and smell, which can occur even without notable congestion.
It’s essential to remember that both viruses share many similarities, making it impossible to self-diagnose. Therefore, testing is necessary.
The Impact of Co-Infection with COVID and RSV
Both COVID-19 and RSV can pose serious risks to children, and both are currently circulating widely. Unfortunately, some children are becoming infected with both viruses simultaneously. Reports indicate that dual infections can lead to more severe symptoms.
For instance, NPR highlighted that Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston had 25 children hospitalized with both RSV and COVID, out of a total of 45 hospitalized children. This situation suggests that co-infection may lead to higher hospitalization rates than experiencing either virus alone.
Protecting Your Children
This season presents significant challenges regarding children’s health. Pediatric hospitals are witnessing surges in COVID-19 cases, compounded by rising RSV infections, creating a potentially dangerous scenario.
Given this, it is vital to return to the safety measures we practiced earlier in the pandemic, such as wearing masks indoors and social distancing. Fortunately, these precautions can help mitigate the spread of both RSV and COVID.
It’s a tough situation, and like everyone, I wish for the pandemic to end. However, we must prioritize protecting vulnerable groups, especially our children.
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Summary
RSV is surging earlier than usual this year, impacting young children significantly. Parents need to recognize the symptoms, understand the potential severity, and differentiate between RSV and COVID-19. Protecting children through safety measures is vital as both viruses circulate widely.