RSV cases reach peak levels in Houston

HOUSTON – Respiratory synclinal virus will affect almost every child before their second birthday, but this year, there's an alarming number of hospitalizations from the illness.
 
In fact, some venture to say, it's an epidemic in Houston.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       “It's a pretty bad year. RSV has way over taken the flu, we thought it was going to be a pretty bad year, but we haven't seen much of that,” pediatrician Dr. Debra Cutler, with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic said.
 
RSV shows up as a cold in adults, but in infants, the virus can irritate their lungs and even make them stop breathing.
 
This time of year, parents should be watching for symptoms: fever, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, not eating or drinking, and no crying.
 
“They're not crying a lot. They can't breathe,” Cutler said.
 
Right now, there is no treatment, so prevention is key.
 
“It can stay on hands for up to 30 minutes or longer, so always use good hand washing when you're playing with your child,” Cutler said. “You don't kiss them on the face and if you have any respiratory illness at all, don't even get near them ... or if you think it's allergies and you're going to sneeze, don't get near them.”