SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – RSV is putting a strain on pediatric emergency departments across the Bay Area.
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The virus, which is dangerous for some children, has had a strong resurgence throughout the United States this winter. Dr. Jackie Grupp-Phelan, Division Chief and Vice Chair of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UCSF, told KCBS Radio's "As Prescribed," RSV is more prevalent in children.
"RSV is very similar to the common cold, but in younger children it can be more severe. It seems to attack the lower airways at a more severe rate than other types of respiratory viruses, so it can be a bit more problematic," she said.
Most children are able to battle through the sickness with relatively minimal symptoms, but some, particularly premature newborns, are prone to struggle.
To protect children, parents can equip them with monoclonal antibodies. "One of them is named SYNAGIS," Grupp-Phelan said. She advised families to minimize their children’s exposure to viruses, stay masked when appropriate and stay aware of who might be sick around their kids, adding that "most kids do just fine."
Symptoms include coughing, mucus production, wheezing, increased work of breathing, difficulty drinking fluids and dehydration.
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