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As thousands of children return to school on Monday, a virus worries health experts in the Triangle – and it’s not COVID-19. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, are on the rise.
The virus is common in adults, but it can be dangerous for young children. Doctors say RSV usually appeared in November, but this year the outbreak came early.
Dr Lori Langdon, a pediatrician at Harnett Health, said the virus can cause “severe respiratory distress in newborns.”
WakeMed, UNC Health and Duke Health are all seeing an increase in the number of patients with RSV.
“We are paying close attention to this, many children have or will be going back to school, but this year the weather is of particular concern to us,” said Dr Lisa Pickett, intensive care surgeon at Duke University Hospital.
Officials say there are four children hospitalized with RSV and four more are in the intensive care unit. Typically, at this time of year, hospitals may see a case.
“The ER is busy with cases of RSV,” Langdon said.
She said hand washing is important and people should avoid kissing babies to protect them.
Langdon tells parents not to panic if their child is diagnosed with RSV.
“Most babies can handle it very well,” she said. “In older children, adolescents and adults, it is just the common cold, with nasal congestion and a common cough.”
Doctors say if your child is suffering from respiratory distress, don’t wait, take him to the emergency room.
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