Respiratory viruses lingering longer than usual this year

While spring has officially begun, concerns about respiratory viruses are lingering longer than usual, with cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cropping up later than expected and a new COVID-19 variant spreading across much of the country. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a recent update that RSV had started later than expected throughout most of the U.S. 

“This unusual timing means higher levels of RSV activity may continue into April in many regions. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for RSV are highest among infants and children less than 4 years old,” stated the agency. 

For most individuals, RSV cases will cause mild flu-like illness, but for young children and seniors, the disease can cause severe illness, leading to hospitalization that could involve being placed on a ventilator. 

“Unlike some other viruses, you’re actually pretty contagious throughout your entire time with RSV. And so, if your kid is coughing and they’ve had RSV and they go to daycare, all of those kids are exposed. And so it is definitely one of those illnesses we worry about,” said Sarah Nosal, a physician and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. 

There are currently no treatments specifically indicated for RSV, though preventive treatments have been approved in recent years. 

RSV vaccines are available to seniors and pregnant women, with administration to expectant mothers believed to confer some protection to their children before they are born. An RSZV monoclonal antibody is also available for infants and young children. 

Nosal noted this past respiratory viral season was also unique in how the flu........

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