It’s not just COVID cases filling hospitals.
Area health officials say more cases of the respiratory syncytial virus, otherwise known as RSV, are becoming more common. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than one.
Other symptoms of RSV infection usually include a runny nose, a decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
“This is the number one cause of admission to the hospital for children nationwide and has been for 50 plus years. So, it is a very common virus that unfortunately again is coming in a season where it's not expected," said Dr. Donald Beno with Aurora Baycare Medical Center.
The doctor says they saw very few cases of RSV last year which they believe was the case due to mask-wearing and good hygienic practices.
