RSV Infection Cases Soaring in DFW: What Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Kids

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Season Ramps Up, Cases Rise More Than 130% at Children's Health

Cook Children's Reports Similar Increases, DFW Hospital Council Monitors Hospitalizations

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases are on the rise in DFW, with Children's Health reporting a more than 130% increase in cases between Oct. 1 and Oct. 22. Cook Children's has also reported similar increases, with 25% of RSV tests coming back positive in Fort Worth last week among more than 760 patients.

The DFW Hospital Council has reported that hospitalizations have remained mainly flat, but clinicians are keeping a close eye on flu and COVID cases.

Pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Preeti Sharma with Children's Health advises parents that prevention is key, including an RSV antibody injection recently approved for babies under eight months. The injection is currently being prioritised for babies who are at the highest risk, including infants under the age of six months, infants who have other underlying medical problems, and infants who were born prematurely.

Dr. Sharma says it remains to be seen how much of an impact RSV will have this year, after a season that overwhelmed pediatric ERs.

How to Protect Your Child from RSV

Here are some tips on how to protect your child from RSV:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your child's mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Keep your child's immunizations up to date.

Signs and Symptoms of RSV

• The most common signs and symptoms of RSV include:

• Runny nose

• Cough

• Fever

• Wheezing

• Difficulty breathing

If your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Treatment for RSV

There is no specific treatment for RSV, but there are things that can be done to relieve the symptoms. These include:

• Over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and pain

• Saline nasal sprays or drops to clear congestion

• A humidifier to add moisture to the air

• Fluids to stay hydrated

In some cases, children may need to be hospitalized if they have severe difficulty breathing.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from RSV, follow these simple tips:

• Scrub your hands often with soap and water. This is the best way to remove germs from your hands and prevent the spread of RSV.

• Stay away from people who are sick. If you must be around someone who is sick, avoid close contact and wash your hands often.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This helps to prevent the spread of RSV droplets through the air.

• Clean and disinfect your home regularly. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and toys.

• Don't smoke around children. Secondhand smoke can irritate the airways and make children more susceptible to RSV infection.

If you are concerned that you or your child may have RSV, see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

Bonus tip: 

Get vaccinated against RSV! A new vaccine for RSV is now available for pregnant women and infants. The vaccine can help to protect your baby from serious RSV illness.

Conclusion

RSV is a common virus that can cause respiratory illness in children. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of RSV so that you can seek medical attention if your child is sick. There are steps you can take to protect your child from RSV, such as washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.