ILLINOIS, USA — Hospitals in Illinois are struggling to keep up with RSV cases.
As of Thursday Nov. 10, pediatric ICU beds are 96% full according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Medical experts say flu and COVID along with the winter season are causing the increase in hospital visits.
Health professionals add that staffing issues are also a problem.
"The staffing issues haven't really improved much and are part of what's driving this crisis - that even though you might have a physical bed open, you don't have the staff available," IDPH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arti Barnes said.
Local hospitals are trying to work together to care for young patients, but it's challenging for them to keep up.
"We've seen a lot of kids with this condition, and in our pediatric unit at Bettendorf we've had as high as seven kids with RSV on the unit," UnityPoint Trinity Chief Medical Officer Dr. Toyosi Olutade said.
Experts also worry about RSV cases in another age group.
"It's not just children - it's older adults too," Dr. Barnes said. "Flu and RSV both make its impact on those who are extremely vulnerable, which means very young children and those above the age of 65 whose immune systems are not as robust anymore."
Medical leaders say to help avoid a dire trip to the hospital, keep in contact with your child's doctor when you see early symptoms.
"It's important to reach out to your pediatrician or primary care early in the disease, because we can provide some resources - things like breathing treatments which can be used at home before they get worse - but it's important to connect with the pediatrician," Dr. Olutade said. "It could be even through telemedicine."
Dr. Olutade also recommended basic hygiene practices - wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face and isolate when you're sick to avoid transmitting a respiratory disease.
Dr. Julie Stecher, Genesis Health Group, also added that with holiday season travels starting next week, it's best to stay at home when symptoms appear. However, she expects case numbers to spike at the end of the month.
"Unfortunately, due to all the traveling and exposure to family members and friends they don't see regularly, multiple viruses will be transmitted, including RSV and influenza. We will likely see it get even worse in the wake of the holidays" said Dr. Stecher.
Dr. Barnes encourages the public, including infants, to take the newest flu shots as well.
"For flu, the vaccines do work really well - it is getting really well targeted, and we need to be able to take full advantage of that right now," she said. "It's critically important to get the flu shot. Babies six months and up can get the flu vaccine."
Extensive information on RSV symptoms, care, and other facts are available on the CDC website.
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