RSV cases in Kentucky are reaching new heights. The Kentucky Children’s Hospital is at capacity with cases of the respiratory illness.
Officials said they have an average of 30 children in acute care for RSV each day.
Dr. Lindsay Ragsdale is Chief Medical Officer for Kentucky Children’s. She said hospital staff are working to expand capacity and shift resources.
“We have surge beds, we have taken over new clinical floors, just to make sure that we have enough beds for every patient in Kentucky that needs us. This has been a trying time for children’s hospitals nationally as we’ve seen our capacity needs really skyrocket,” said Dr. Ragsdale.
Dr. Ragsdale said kids can catch the illness from friends and family members who are sick, but don’t know their sniffles are actually RSV.
“It is wise to try to keep them from those loved ones until they’re better. I think the other advice I can give is if your child is sick, please try to keep them out of school or away from social activities just so we can try to contain the spread within the community,” said Ragsdale.
The lead physician also recommended frequent hand washing or sanitizing to help slow the spread.
Dr. Ragsdale added that Kentucky Children’s Hospital is also dealing with influenza. She encouraged everyone get vaccinated against the flu.
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