HEALTH CARE Dell Children’s emergency rooms seeing high number of RSV cases
RSV
RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests several ways to help protect children from RSV infection.
BY HANNAH NORTON
case activity typically increases in Texas around September or October and peaks in December or January, according to the DSHS. This year, cases began to surge as early as October across the state. Data collected by the state health department shows that RSV cases reached a peak between Oct. 8-21. Case counts have
In Austin, pediatric cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, began to surge in October. This was more than two months before cases typically reach their peak, accord- ing to Dr. Leah Harris, the interim president and chief physician at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Anyone can be
STEPS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Stay home when you are sick
Wash your hands often
Clean and disinfect surfaces
infected with and spread the virus. However, very young children— newborns to 2 year olds—are more likely to experience more severe symp- toms, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, accord- ing to the Texas Department of State Health Services. “[RSV causes] a lot of mucus, and little people have airways that are
declined since then, but medical officials do not know if cases will continue to fall or if Texas will experience another spike this winter. In Central Texas, about 250 positive RSV cases were recorded during the week of Nov. 19, which was the latest available data at the time of publication.
“[RSV CAUSES] A LOT OF MUCUS, AND LITTLE PEOPLE HAVE AIRWAYS THAT ARE REALLY SMALL. THEIR AIRWAYS GET SORT OF CLOGGED UP WITH THE SECRETIONS, AND YOU SEE HYPOXIA AND DIFFICULTY BREATHING.” DR. LEAH HARRIS, INTERIM PRESIDENT AND CHIEF PHYSICIAN AT DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER
Talk to your health care provider about mild symptoms
Avoid hugging or shaking hands with others
Avoid close contact with sick people
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION/COMMUNITY IMPACT communities that are less fortunate than us, and we have been asked to take critically ill children from as far south as Del Rio and as far north as Plano. This is not unique to Austin.” Dell Children’s has also asked
other respiratory infections, accord- ing to the DSHS. For older children and adults, symptoms include a mild fever, congestion/runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and occasional wheezing. Children younger than 2 years of age are more likely to experience more severe symptoms, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, a cough with a “barking” sound, rapid or difficulty breathing, middle ear infections, and bluish lips or fingernails. Influenza also hit Texas earlier this year, according to state health officials. Flu cases in Texas and other parts of the southern U.S. were at “very high” levels in early November.
Physicians are not required to report RSV cases to the state, so case levels are likely higher. Around the same time last year, less than half as many cases were reported in Central Texas. Data shows that just over 100 positive RSV cases were reported during the week of Nov. 20, 2021. Emergency rooms across the Dell Children’s system have taken in “twice the volume” of children than normal, Harris said. “We get calls from all around the state,” Harris said. “There are other
really small,” Harris said. “Their airways get sort of clogged up with the secretions, and you see hypoxia and difficulty breathing.” Hypoxia occurs when there is not enough oxygen in someone’s body tissues to sustain normal bodily functions. This year, Harris said more toddlers from the ages of 2-4 have been admit- ted to Dell Children’s for serious RSV cases. RSV season varies annually, but
families to seek other care before heading to the emergency room in nonemergency situations. Harris recommended taking children to a pediatrician or their primary care provider for mild symptoms. “[If families are] coming to the emergency room, we ask them to pack a lunch or bring coloring books,” she said. “But if your child is really sick, you’ll get seen right away.” Symptoms of RSV are similar to
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE at ACC
Paul Williams
Helping build the Texas Dream since 2001
Ask about our interest rate 2/1 buy down options.
paulwilliamsrealty@gmail.com 512.785.0186
START HERE Spring Classes Start January 17
MLS#8154144
austincc.edu
Call me today for a free consultation!
25
PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
Powered by FlippingBook