As thousands of children return to school on Monday, a virus is causing concern among health experts in the Triangle, and it is not COVID-19. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus or RSV increase.
The virus is common in adults, but can be dangerous for young children. Doctors say the RSV used to appear in November, but this year the outbreak occurred early.
Dr. Lori Langdon, a pediatrician at Harnett Health, said the virus can cause “severe respiratory distress in newborns.”
WakeMed, UNC Health and Duke Health are experiencing an increase in RSV patients.
“We are very aware of this, many of the children have or will return to school, but this year is especially troubling for us,” said Dr. Lisa Pickett, a critical care surgeon at Duke University Hospital.
Officials say there are four children hospitalized with RSV and four more in the Intensive Care Unit. Typically, at this time of year, hospitals see perhaps one case.
“The ERs are busy with RSV cases,” Langdon said.
He said hand washing is important and people should avoid kissing babies to protect them.
Langdon tells parents not to panic if their child is diagnosed with RSV.
“Most babies can control it well,” she said. “In older children, teens and adults, it’s just the common cold, with nasal congestion and common cough.”
Doctors say that if your child is having difficulty breathing, don’t wait, take him to the emergency room.