Pediatric hospitalizations surge due to respiratory illness

Published on November 07, 2022

HHVS news item

Across the state, including in southeast Michigan, pediatric emergency department visits and hospitalizations for respiratory viruses, mainly due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are significantly increasing, prompting the Wayne County Public Health Department to urge residents to take precautions to protect children from respiratory illnesses.

Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and hospital partners are raising awareness on a statewide pediatric hospital bed shortage with many hospital systems reporting at or near pediatric bed capacity.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be serious especially in infants, younger children, and older adults. Those at greatest risk are medically vulnerable children including premature infants, children younger than 2 years of age, those with chronic lung or heart conditions, and children with weakened immune systems. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. The virus spreads primarily when someone coughs or sneezes or from touching something that is contaminated and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

  • Runny nose
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Wheezing
  • Irritability

Those with mild cold-like symptoms should stay at home. Seek immediate medical attention for moderate to severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, poor feeding, decrease activity, worsening symptoms, or a blue color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.

To protect our most vulnerable, people with cold-like symptoms should limit interaction with children at high risk for severe RSV disease, including premature infants, children younger than 2 years old, those with chronic lung or heart conditions, and children with weakened immune systems.

To help prevent the spread of RSV and other respiratory viruses including influenza and COVID-19 that are increasing in the fall and winter season, WCPHD urges Wayne County residents to:

  • Get vaccinated/boosted for influenza and COVID-19
  • Stay home if sick and avoid being around others, even when testing negative for COVID19
  • Wear a well-fitting mask if you have symptoms
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils with others
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands

For more information, visit: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx

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