The recent rise in pediatric hospitalizations in Michigan is caused by a respiratory infection.
RSV — respiratory syncytial virus — testing results have increased by 385% at Grand Rapids’ Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in children who are showing signs of infection.
Any age can be affected by RSV. The typical diagnosis for healthy persons is a cold. However, it can result in fevers, dehydration, and respiratory issues in infants and young children. Even though RSV seldom results in death, children may need hospital treatment.
By the time they turn two, almost all kids encounter RSV, according to the CDC. But this year, the number of cases is increasing faster than usual.
Hadley advised parents to get their Covid-19 boosters and flu vaccines to stave off severe incarnations of those illnesses in order to lessen the burden on children’s hospitals. Additionally, she advised parents to enforce strict hand washing rules for their kids and to keep them at home if they show signs of the RSV.
Hadley advised parents to speak with their pediatricians before going to the hospital in the majority of situations.