RSV Cases in Children Are Rising Early This Year: Important Information to Know

Remember the early days of the pandemic in 2020, when we were all diligently social distancing and wearing masks? Many people remarked how they hadn’t been sick in months. While isolation was challenging, the lack of illness was a silver lining. Now, however, the situation has changed. Although some continue to practice social distancing and wear masks, many have relaxed these measures, especially after the rollout of vaccines and the return to social activities. With schools, camps, and daycares reopening—often without mask requirements—the stage has been set for a surge in various viruses, including a notable increase in RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which can be particularly severe in young children.

RSV Is Rising Early and Affecting Young Children Severely

Typically, RSV peaks in the fall, winter, and spring, but reports from June indicated an unusual early surge. The CDC noted on June 10 that RSV cases were already rising in the Southern states, prompting a call for healthcare providers to test children with respiratory symptoms who tested negative for COVID-19. The memo highlighted that RSV infections had been lower during the pandemic due to safety protocols but began to rise again from April 2021.

The CDC warned that older babies and toddlers might face more severe cases of RSV, as many children are usually exposed to the virus multiple times throughout their childhood, building immunity. The lack of exposure over 15 months could mean that initially infected children may experience more serious illness.

What Are the Symptoms of RSV?

Like many viruses, RSV can range from mild to severe. Most individuals encounter RSV during infancy or early childhood, which helps build immunity. Therefore, older kids and adults generally experience milder symptoms (though older adults can suffer serious complications). According to the CDC, around 58,000 young children are hospitalized annually due to RSV, and 100-500 children under five lose their lives to it.

For many, RSV presents similarly to a cold, featuring symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough. Fever and general fatigue are common, along with decreased appetite. However, RSV can lead to significant respiratory issues in young ones, causing wheezing, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs).

One of my friends’ children experienced bronchiolitis as a toddler, and it was quite frightening. He required oral steroids and intensive nebulizer treatments, and unfortunately, his lungs never fully recovered, leading to frequent asthma symptoms with respiratory infections.

As the CDC indicates, RSV is the top cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. Severe cases of RSV can necessitate hospitalization for breathing support and hydration, with some children requiring oxygen or intubation.

How to Differentiate Between RSV and COVID-19

RSV and COVID-19 share symptoms in young children, making it challenging to distinguish between the two without testing. It’s crucial to test your child whenever they exhibit respiratory symptoms. During this ongoing pandemic, nothing is simply “a cold” anymore; testing is essential to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

However, certain distinguishing features may help you differentiate RSV from COVID-19. For instance, young children with RSV might experience more pronounced breathing difficulties and show symptoms like appetite loss and irritability. In contrast, children with COVID-19 may have long-term symptoms, such as “brain fog” or loss of taste and smell—a hallmark of COVID-19 that can occur even without notable nasal congestion.

Co-Infection with RSV and COVID-19

Both RSV and COVID-19 pose serious risks to children and are currently widespread. Alarmingly, some children are contracting both viruses simultaneously. While some manage well with this dual infection, others are facing more severe symptoms as a result. Reports indicate that hospitals are observing a significant number of children hospitalized with both viruses. For instance, Texas Children’s Hospital noted that 25 of the 45 children admitted were battling both RSV and COVID-19, highlighting a concerning increase in hospitalization rates from this combination.

Protecting Your Children

This is undoubtedly a challenging time for children in terms of health. Pediatric hospitals are currently experiencing the highest COVID-19 admission rates since the pandemic began, compounded by rising RSV cases. Given these circumstances—along with the Delta variant affecting vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals—it’s essential to resume indoor masking and adhere to COVID-19 safety measures.

Fortunately, precautions like wearing masks and practicing social distancing can help mitigate the risks of both RSV and COVID-19. While it’s frustrating, we must all do our part to protect the most vulnerable among us.

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In summary, RSV is surging earlier than usual this year, affecting young children more severely due to a lack of prior exposure. Symptoms can resemble those of COVID-19, making testing crucial for accurate diagnosis. Protecting children through safety measures is essential as both viruses circulate widely.