CAMANCHE, Iowa — Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RS, cases are increasing in the Quad Cities. Despite that, Absolutely Positively Kids, a daycare in Camanche, Iowa, is doing everything it can to prevent the spread of the disease.
"The fun thing about kiddos is they are very hands-on," said Robin McNamara, APK Academy's regional director. "After we're doing certain activities in the room, we have them wash their hands, or wash their faces."
The virus is common during late fall, winter and early spring. It can have an impact on those who have a weak immune system, and those very young and old.
"Because it's a virus, antibiotics don't work," UnityHealth's Dr. Allison Roe said. "The best way to prevent that spread is through hand washing, cleaning those surfaces and then really just staying at home when you're sick"
According to the CDC, symptoms of RSV can show up within four to six days of being infected. Those symptoms usually include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. Symptoms are different in young infants, as their symptoms include irritability, decrease in activity and breathing difficulties.
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Absolutely Positively Kids hosts children ranging from infants to preschoolers. The caregivers believe it's important to keep the areas as clean as they can.
"We want the help of the kiddos to stay there and the level of their immune systems just to continue to grow," McNamara said.
McNamara also encourages parents to dress their children appropriately for the weather and keep them at home when symptoms appear.
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