MILWUAKEE – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children is running rampant across the nation, including Wisconsin.
RSV is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages.
Medical Director of Pediatric ICU at Children’s Wisconsin Dr. Michael Meyer joins Wisconsin’s Morning News to discuss who’s most vulnerable for the disease and how pediatric clinics in Wisconsin are handling the rise in cases.
“The group that we worry about right now when it comes to the children is our younger children,” Meyer says. “Children less than 2 years of age, especially 2, 3 and 4 months and those with underlying chronic diseases.”
Meyer says “the hardest job in the world is to be a parent when your child is ill” because it’s tricky determining whether or not to send them to the hospital.
He says look out for retractions, tachypnea, signs of dehydration and a significantly high fever.
“Look at how your child is breathing,” Meyer says. “Some of the things to watch for is something we call “retractions.” That’s where the skin in between the child’s rib when they take a deep breath really sucks in, sucks in deep. Because it gives you an idea of how hard they’re working. Breathing very fast is something we call “tachypnea,” is also important.”
“Signs of dehydration is one of the bigger worries especially in our smaller infants,” Meyer continues. “And finally, a fever and not just any fevers; significantly high fevers.”
Meyer says pediatric locations in Wisconsin are “full” but “not overwhelmed” thanks to “dedicated” staff.
“We’re busy,” Meyer says. “Capacity-wise we are full. Wait times are long in the emergency department and urgent care. Pediatric clinic offices are busy. The hospital is busy. We’ve got a great group of people that are dedicated and passionate toward kids. Our staff make this work.”