RSV has been on the rise this sick season for young and old. Respiratory Therapy Director Buz Fletcher with Ashley Regional Medical Center confirms that RSV started early this year, in October versus when it usually does in January. From October to December 1st, the hospital had 38 admissions for RSV and that means there were many more than that among community members that stayed home. Fletcher noted that because of COVID, there has been a new way of testing for respiratory conditions and this includes RSV. So what seems to be a rise in RSV in elderly patients could sometimes be that the testing makes it possible to put a label on why an elderly person needs to be admitted. When it comes to all viruses and other forms of illness, Fletcher says to be mindful of not sharing sickness with others, especially little kids that RSV puts in the most danger. Be diligent about hand washing and stay home when sick.
