RSV Surge Signals Holiday Health Alert: As Santa Clara County gears up for holiday gatherings, doctors warn of a surge in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Amid an already busy flu and COVID season, health leaders note a concerning trend with RSV peaking first this year.
Wastewater monitoring, a vital tool for community detection, reveals a significant increase in RSV levels. San Jose sees a doubling in the last month, while areas like Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Gilroy witness a spike in the last week.
Dr. Monika Roy emphasizes RSV’s broad impact, affecting all age groups. Infants and those over 60 face heightened risks, prompting the push for a new RSV-specific vaccine. Shown to reduce infant hospitalization risk by 57%, it’s a crucial tool in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Despite infant vaccine shortages, Dr. Roy recommends pregnant mothers get vaccinated between weeks 32 to 36. The goal is to pass on protective antibodies to infants during the fall/winter RSV season.
Amid the RSV surge, Dr. Roy underscores the importance of updated COVID and flu shots. Increased emergency visits for flu-like illnesses highlight the need for comprehensive vaccination efforts.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Dr. Roy’s advice remains consistent: practice cold and flu season hygiene, wash hands, use masks indoors, and stay home if unwell. The call for caution echoes in the face of a complex respiratory landscape.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why is RSV so bad this year?
The recent surge in RSV cases can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, the number of individuals over the age of 60 in the United States has increased significantly, making them more susceptible to the virus. Additionally, there are now more people who are immunocompromised, which further increases the risk of contracting RSV. These factors have been compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has weakened the immune systems of many individuals.
Why is RSV suddenly in the news?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is making headlines lately due to its early and severe onset this year. The virus is currently surging and putting a strain on children’s hospitals across the US.
What are the first signs of RSV?
RSV symptoms typically start off like a common cold, with congestion, a runny nose, fever, cough, and sore throat. In infants, these symptoms may be accompanied by irritability, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Fortunately, most cases of RSV clear up on their own within a few days.
What is the RSV virus that’s going around?
RSV is a respiratory virus that typically results in mild, cold-like symptoms. However, individuals with certain underlying health conditions, as well as young children and older adults, are at a greater risk of experiencing severe illness from RSV.