RSV Cases are Too High and Too Early This Year

August 23, 2021

Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been on the rise this summer, which is unusual given that RSV typically strikes in November and peaks in December/January. This unexpected increase prompted officials with the Ohio Department of Health to hold a briefing today discussing the rise in this common respiratory virus that typically produces mild, cold-like symptoms. Unlike the seasonal flu, which is caused by the influenza virus and has an annual shot available for protection, there is no RSV vaccine at this time. However, researchers have been working to develop one.

According to Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, it is not uncommon for children to be infected with two respiratory illnesses at one time and there have already been national reports of children simultaneously developing RSV and COVID-19. Not enough is yet known about the impact of having both viruses together and whether having COVID-19 can worsen the course of RSV.