Between flu fears and COVID concerns, worries about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have also been floating around. According to the state Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado is seeing a sharp uptick in cases of the virus. Here’s what you should know about it:
🦠 What is it? RSV is a respiratory virus that is spread through talking, sneezing, and coughing. The symptoms largely mimic the common cold, but tend to be more severe in young children. There are no shots, vaccines, or immunizations for RSV.
🦠 How serious is the situation? Just since Oct. 1, there have been 292 RSV hospitalizations in metro Denver (95% of which have been children). That’s nearly double the amount of cases Colorado saw in 2021 for the same time period.
🦠 What’s being done? CDPHE says it’s supporting coordination efforts across hospitals in preparation for a continued rise in cases. The health department also says it is working with schools and childcare facilities to reduce transmission.
🦠 How to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands properly and frequently
- Stay away from people you know are sick
- Stay home if YOU are sick
- Remember proper sneezing and coughing etiquette (and help remind children!)
- Sanitize highly utilized surfaces, like doorknobs, counters, and tables
