Respiratory illness RSV cases on the rise this year, pediatricians warn

Pediatricians are warning parents that cases appear to be on the rise for RSV.

RSV, also known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Is a common and highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread through air and high touch surfaces easily.

So, what are some things parents can do to protect their children? A pediatrician with the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Kimberly Giuliano, says make sure to regularly wash your hands and sanitize things like car keys, door knobs and cellphones to reduce the risk of an exposure.

The good news is most children who get sick with RSV will be able to recover at home with supportive care.

“It’s a virus that causes typically cold like symptoms in children and adults. But in younger children, can cause much more significant congestion and coughing, high fevers, sometimes breathing and feeding difficulties and irritabilities.”

RSV testing is available and can confirm if a child has it. Around this time of year, pediatricians also usually test for the flu and COVID to help rule out those viruses as well.