Caregivers at Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington are seeing a significant surge in patients suffering from Respiratory syncytial virus. Most children experience common cold symptoms. Officials say RSV can cause breathing difficulties for the very young and those with underlying medical conditions. Dr. Lindsay Ragsdale is chief medical officer at the children’s hospital.
“Here at UK we started seeing positive RSV’s in May, which is unheard of. Normally it’s a January to March kind of illness, so really that seasonal winter thing is not happening. We’re seeing it now more than ever,” said Ragsdale.
Ragsdale said 20 to 30 RSV patients are being admitted daily. The chief medical officer at KCH noted there’s thought that the low number of cases with COVID preventive measures the last two years is a factor in the rise now. Ragsdale said kids under two never exposed to RSV are exposed now. The doctor added the warning signs to watch for include monitoring for property hydration and labored breathing.
Ragsdale said the Lexington hospital is facing capacity challenges.
“We have expanded our beds multiple times into overflow areas, increasing our capacity in our emergency rooms, even hallway beds which is not optimal for anyone, but it’s a place that we can give care to kids that need it. And we’re continuing to expand,” said Ragsdale.
Ragsdale said some children can face lung inflammation causing problems with a subsequent cold virus, but it doesn’t cause permanent lung damage.
The best preventive measures include stressing handwashing for young people and keeping young children away from sick adults. The chief medical officer said the hope is that after widespread exposure this season the number of cases will then come down.
