LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Norton Children’s Hospital is seeing an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. The hospital says it has diagnosed almost 700 cases this December.

What You Need To Know

  • Doctors at Norton Children’s Hospital said about 30 children were in their hospital with RSV

  • Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services says respiratory illness activity is high in Kentucky right now

  • Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services says emergency department and inpatient encounters for COVID-19, influenza and RSV are increasing

  • Doctors recommend RSV vaccines for the youngest infants and some adults.

“We’re seeing a lot of RSV and cases are continuing to go up. So emergency departments are very busy, offices are very busy,” said Dr. Kris Bryant with Norton Children’s Infectious Diseases.

Doctors at Norton Children’s said about 30 children are hospitalized with RSV.

Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services says respiratory illness activity is high in Kentucky right now. They say emergency departments and inpatient encounters for COVID-19, influenza and RSV are increasing.

“Signs of severe illness that should prompt evaluation for medical care, just general signs that are common among many viruses include trouble breathing, having bluish lips or a gray-tint to the skin, signs of dehydration,” explained Bryant.

Data on the Cabinet for Health and Family Services disease dashboard shows over 700 RSV cases reported in Kentucky this month. A big jump from the 128 cases in October.

Dr. Mark Brockman, a Norton Children’s pediatrician, explained “I always encourage my parents to reach out as soon as they have any concern. We’ll see them right away. Especially in the younger population, I let them know usually under the age of two. If parents are concerned, I will see them right then and there.”

Doctors recommend RSV vaccines for the youngest infants and some adults.

“As we look forward to the end-of-the-year holidays and families getting together, getting vaccinated before you gather with your family is one thing you can do to keep everybody healthy,” added Dr. Bryant.

Dr. Brockman recommends a humidifier, hand sanitizer, daily baths, and avoiding crowds if possible.

According to a Norton Children’s Hospital news release, RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Every year, over 58,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized with the infection.

Bryant added flu cases are also increasing. As of Thursday, over 260 kids have been diagnosed with the flu, jumping from last week’s total of 251. She said it’s not too late to get a flu shot.

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