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RSV and Other Respiratory Viruses

From the Washington State Department of Health

Pediatric hospitals and clinics across Washington are in crisis as rising case rates of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), flu and COVID-19 cause overcrowding in the midst of staffing shortages. Flu hospitalizations are at the highest rates seen in 10 years for this time period and pediatric emergency departments are seeing a record number of RSV patients. To slow the spread of respiratory viruses, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends that everyone 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza and get a COVID-19 booster to lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission and serious illness. Find resources here

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Pediatrician Discusses RSV Cases American Academy of Pediatrics

RSV is spreading rapidly and much earlier than normal this year. That combined with flu season and the continued spread of COVID makes for a scary time for many parents of young children. Pediatrician and parent of young kids Dr. Parga-Belinkie offers reassurance and practical guidance for parents in this new video, including signs it’s time to #CallYourPediatrician to be seen.

Posts by Pediatrician Dr. Elise Herman

RSV in Kids

Most kids have had RSV at least once by age 2 years and usually it just causes a mild cold. In some children, especially preemies, young infants, and those with heart, lung, or immune system problems, RSV can be more serious.

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Children are walking in nature, fall leaves.

Respiratory Virus Season and Children

As cooler weather approaches, the “sick” season does, too. For kids, this usually means respiratory illnesses, ranging from cold to croup or pneumonia.

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Information / Flyers, Handouts and Printable

Seattle Children’s Hospital

  • How To Suction Your Baby’s Nose
  • RSV: Understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus
  • Signs Of Respiratory Distress in Your Infant
  • Signs Of Respiratory Distress In Your Child

American Academy of Pediatrics

  • RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold
  • What Does RSV Sound Like (Instagram)
  • Bronchiolitis: What Parents Should Know 
  • Bronchiolitis Symptom Checker
  • COVID, Flu & RSV: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different?
  • Pediatric Symptom Checker Interactive)

Center for Disease Control

  • Protect Your Child from RSV (English)
  • Proteja a su niño contra el RSV (Spanish)
  • Take 3 Actions to Fight Flu (cdc.gov)
  • Older Adults are at High Risk for Severe RSV Infection (English)
  • Los Adultos Mayores Tienen Alto Riesgo de Contraer una Infeccion Grave por el VRS  (Spanish)
  • RSV in Infants and Young Children (English)
  • El VRS en los bebés y niños pequeños (Spanish)
  • RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Local Resources

If you or someone you are taking care of are exhibiting symptoms that you feel require immediate medical attention, please call 9-1-1. If you or someone you are taking care of are experiencing symptoms but do not require emergent care, please contact your primary care provider.

Most health insurance companies offer a 24-HR Nurse Line to assess symptoms, provide support and guidance for non-emergency situations. Check the back of your insurance card for the phone number.

  • KVH Pediatrics (located in Ellensburg)
  • KVH Family Medicine – Ellensburg
  • KVH Family Medicine – Cle Elum
  • KVH Urgent Care (located in Cle Elum)
  • KVH Hospital Emergency Department (located in Ellensburg)

What does RSV sound like?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by American Academy of Pediatrics (@ameracadpeds)

All about RSV

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by American Academy of Pediatrics (@ameracadpeds)

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