RSV Surge Sparks Concerns in North Alabama: Growing concerns over respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in North Alabama are raising alarms. WAAY 31 spoke with Emily Maldonado, a mother whose son recently tested positive for the illness, sharing a harrowing experience.
“He was intubated and in paralysis for eight days straight. It was the worst days of my life. We thought we were gonna lose him; it was a nightmare,” recounted Maldonado.
Now an advocate for child safety amid the rising RSV numbers, Maldonado emphasizes the seriousness of the virus and urges parents to be vigilant about signs and symptoms.
Paula Armstrong, owner and director of Tender Care Learning Center and Kids Journey Child Development Center, describes this year’s RSV outbreak as the worst she has seen.
Its been rough. Weve had several hospitalized at both of my centers, and it starts out you think that its allergies or a cold. Its like a cycle; someone will have it, theyll get better, theyll come back, and then the next group is out with it so they kind of cycled through it for about three weeks,” Armstrong noted.
The severity prompted a temporary closure of the facility for extensive cleaning, a routine practice during cold and flu seasons.
Armstrong advises parents to pay attention to their own health and their children’s, urging sick individuals to stay home and be transparent about their condition, as adults can carry RSV without severe symptoms but pose a risk to small children, especially those with underlying health conditions.
As for Dylan, Maldonado’s son, he is on the path to recovery, though the journey is ongoing.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why are there so many cases of RSV right now?
RSV typically peaks in the winter months, but the pandemic shutdowns in 2020-2021 prevented the usual increase in cases. However, as restrictions eased and mask-wearing decreased, RSV made a comeback, contributing to a “triple-demic” last winter.
What is the RSV virus that’s going around?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a prevalent respiratory infection that typically results in mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it poses a greater threat to young children and older adults, particularly those with specific underlying health issues, who are more susceptible to severe illness from RSV.
Who is most likely to be hospitalized with RSV?
Individuals 75 years and older had a higher representation in RSV-NET hospitalizations for older adults, aligning with past research showing increased rates of RSV hospitalization as age increases (4,5).
Who is most in danger from RSV?
Older adults and those with chronic heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems, certain underlying medical conditions, or residing in nursing homes are at the highest risk for severe RSV infection.