RSV illness making its way through Carson City, Quad Counties; cases up 50 percent from 2021
If you’ve been living in the Quad-Counties within the last few months, you may have noticed an increase in respiratory illnesses making the rounds throughout the community.
For once, it hasn’t been the work of COVID-19 which, compared with prior winters, has remained relatively low.
Instead, many of the sicknesses are attributed to RSV: respiratory syncytial virus, a common respiratory virus which usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
However, for the young and old, RSV can be serious.
According to Carson City Health and Human Services’ Jessica Brenner, CCHHS has been tracking RSV in the community for several years.
For Carson City, Douglas and Lyon County, there have been a total of 383 cases of RSV reported from Oct. 2 - Dec. 17. In comparison, during the same time period, there were 258 cases reported in 2021.
“At this time, there is not a defined reason as to why it is more prevalent,” Brenner said.
RSV like many other viruses, usually will work its way out of the body’s system within a week or two.
“There is no specific treatment for RSV,” Brenner said. “The best care is to manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, and to drink enough fluids. Parents should talk to their healthcare provider before giving their child nonprescription cold medicines.”
Symptoms of RSV usually include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing.
RSV generally hits children and the elderly the hardest, and can become a more serious issue.
“If a child is having difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or is experiencing worsening symptoms, parents should seek medical attention,” Brenner said.
RSV is spread like any other virus, including when:
- An infected person coughs or sneezes;
- You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV; or
- You touch a surface that has the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touch your face before washing your hands.
People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness.
With RSV as well as several other respiratory illnesses making the rounds this season, here are some ways to avoid contracting the virus to keep you and your family safe:
It is important to take steps to prevent the spread of illness to others such as:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils with others.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as door knobs and mobile devices, often.
- Stay home when you are feeling sick.
- Wear a mask indoors in public spaces, especially around those at increased risk for severe illness.
For these and other health tips, please be sure to visit https://www.gethealthycarsoncity.org