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Move over, COVID. It’s time for another virus to demand our attention. Respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly known as RSV, is making headlines across the country as infection rates rise dramatically, with about 1 in 5 PCR tests for RSV coming back positive. In Arizona specifically, fall RSV cases have been around ten times higher than what is normally found at this time of year. In fact, the Arizona Department of Health Services reports that the average RSV case count in recent years has been around 56 cases per week. But in one week earlier this month the Arizona state health department reported 581 cases. Pediatric cases of RSV in Arizona are also, sadly, ahead with pediatric hospital beds being nearly 90% full.

One theory as to why we are seeing this RSV boom in adults and kids in 2022 is that our immune systems enjoyed a couple of easier years thanks to frequent mask-wearing and hand-washing/sanitizing, but this year with masks widely not in use our bodies are having a harder time fighting off illnesses. One reason why cases in toddlers are bad this year? Kids born during the height of the COVID pandemic were not as exposed to germs present in public places, so their immune systems aren’t as developed.

Regardless of the reason for the spike in RSV cases, we want you to keep yourself and your loved ones as safe and healthy as possible.

Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent the spread of RSV or other viruses.

• Follow the rules we’ve all memorized by now – wash hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, clean/sanitize frequently-touched surfaces including smartphones, and avoid sharing cups or utensils.
• Since RSV infections rates in Arizona are so high with children, take care to not expose babies and children to cold viruses when possible. If you’re feeling sick avoid kissing your baby. Don’t let others handle your child or baby without washing their hands first.
• Avoid cigarette smoke exposure, as this can increase risk of infection, and the severity of symptoms.
• Take extra care if you have breathing/lung complications. If you or your child have underlying conditions such as asthma, COPD, or lung issues, RSV is more likely to develop from a common cold, and RSV symptoms are likely to be worse.

Want to know whether your common cold has progressed to RSV? At Fountain Hills Medical Center we have your Fountain Hills RSV tests. Our available RSV tests in Arizona are available for children and adults, and the testing process is easy and comfortable. Simply walk in to our primary care clinic for either a quick mouth swab or blood test, and you’ll have your answer. Our medical staff can advise you on ways to treat the symptoms, how to get better as quickly as possible, and how to keep others from getting sick. And if serious sickness hits, our urgent care center emergency department are ready to treat your severe cold and RSV symptoms.

As the medical center in your Fountain Hills community, we are proud to serve you, your family, and your neighborhood with top-grade support for your physical health needs. Our physician-owned medical center offers the best medical care available, all in your own community. We’ll see you through RSV, influenza, COVID, and anything else that comes our way and threatens the health of Fountain Hills. You’re in good hands at FHMC.

Sources:

• Arizona Dept. of Health Services
• Npr.org
• Cnn.com
• Health.usnews.com