According to the CDC, RSV cases typically begin to increase around October and peak in December. Here’s what you need to know to prepare for RSV season!

The Scoop on RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness, especially in infants and young children. While RSV is said to peak around December, the National Library of Medicine reports that the United States experienced an early autumn RSV surge last year, with over 40,000 cases in October alone.

How to Prepare for RSV Season

While there is no specific treatment for RSV, there are things you can do to help prevent viral spread, as well as provide comfort and care to a sick loved one. Here are some tips on how to prepare for RSV season:

• Learn the signs and symptoms: RSV can cause a variety of symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fever, and decreased appetite. In infants, RSV can also cause irritability, poor feeding, and lethargy.
• Take steps to prevent the spread: RSV is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To help prevent the spread of RSV, teach your children to cover their mouth with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after being around someone who is sick. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
• Have a plan in place if your child gets sick: If your child develops RSV symptoms, contact your nearest Next Level Urgent Care right away!

Additional Preparedness Tips

• Stay up to date on your vaccinations: The flu vaccine may help protect you and your children from the flu, which can make RSV symptoms worse.
• Avoid close contact with sick people: If you or your child are sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Keep a thermometer and a suction bulb on hand: This will be especially helpful if your child develops a fever or has nasal congestion.
• Talk to your doctor about RSV prophylaxis: RSV prophylaxis is a preventive treatment that can be given to certain high-risk infants and children during RSV season. If your child is high risk, consult your doctor to see if they might be a candidate.