(Courtesy: CDC)
As holiday cheer spreads, the winter weather also signals the arrival of the virus season.
CHI Health officials briefed media Thursday that like COVID, the flu, and other bugs, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is spreading. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms but can also cause more severe symptoms, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.
While most healthy individuals recover, RSV can cause serious illness and hospitalization for infants and older adults. According to the CDC, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reports positive RSV tests are currently climbing and have yet to peak with a 12 percent positivity rate as of November 25th. Emergency Department visits due to RSV in Nebraska are also climbing.
CHI is recommending people can take steps to protect themselves and their family members this season.
The CDC is recommending two FDA-licensed vaccines for two different patient populations: Adults 60 and older and expecting mothers during 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant mothers can pass on antibodies to their babies, protecting them from the virus after they are born.