Parents are turning to social media to alert other parents about the RSV epidemic that is sweeping the country.
RSV patients make up 75 percent of all pediatric beds. Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has even called in the National Guard for assistance.
This warning comes as doctors warn the public that they are expecting a triple whammy this Winter: RSV and flu, along with the return of COVID-19.
But how do you know what kind of illness you have?
RSV looks like a severe cold. It causes a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, fever and wheezing. Nasal flaring is another sign for little ones. It can indicate that they are trying harder to breathe by flaring their nostrils.
All of these symptoms are part of the flu, along with fatigue, body aches, and headaches. With COVID-19, it’s those symptoms, plus loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea and diarrhea.
“It’s very important to make sure that you’re staying masked, getting vaccinated for flu and COVID to prevent severe illness and hospitalization [and] making sure that if you’re not feeling well you’re staying home,” said Dr. Eric Ascher of Lenox Hill Hospital.