RSV on the rise in North Georgia

Now that vaccines are available for COVID-19, the number of cases is on the decline in Georgia but a virus that’s been around for a long time is on the increase.

It’s RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

On Monday, District Two Public Health issued a health advisory regarding an increased activity of RSV after it was notified of an uptick in children presenting with upper respiratory infections requiring hospitalization in North Georgia.

District 2 Public Health Spokeswoman Natasha Young says RSV infection is spread through droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with a contaminated surface.

The symptoms of RSV in children 6 months and older may include: decreased appetite, followed by a cough, sneezing, fever, and possible wheezing.

In children six months or younger, other symptoms may present as irritability, poor feeding, lethargy, and apnea with or without fever.

Young says there is no vaccine for RSV but your doctor can test you for it if you think you or your child may have contracted the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the symptoms of RSV infection in children and adults usually appear in stages and not all at once.

The CDC says almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.

However, Young said senior adults and those who have underlying health issues are also at risk for RSV.

Young said most of the time, RSV symptoms can be managed at home like you would a cold or flu.

The CDC recommends anyone who feels sick should remain home until symptoms resolve.

Additionally, Young said if a childcare facility experiences an increased volume of upper respiratory infections contact District Two Public Health to obtain contact tracing information at 770-535-5743.

For more information about RSV visit cdc.gov/rsv