Bad Illness in the Gem State Putting Children in Hospitals

During the long months of winter, it is typical for most people to get sick in some form or fashion. Colds, the flu, COVID, and many illnesses make their way through the Gem State each year around this time of year, and while it usually ends within a few days at home resting, or a week in severe cases, these are not the only illnesses that are making the rounds this year in Idaho. There is a nasty disease that is making its way through Idaho this year and it is putting small children in the hospital and some severe cases could lead to death.

Disease Hospitalizing Children in Idaho

While the flu and COVID get most of the headlines when it comes to people missing work or children missing school, there is one disease that should have parents worried more, especially if they have little ones. RSV is going around and for those unfamiliar with it, it can be a scary disease that effects your breathing, but for those with little ones, it can be even scarier as it often leads to them being hospitalized, as they need extra treatment. In some severe cases, if not treated, it can lead to death, which is why it is important to monitor your children this time of year, especially at night, and how they are breathing. 

What is RSV in Idaho?

For those unfamiliar with RSV, it stands for respiratory syncytial virus infection. Many adults get RSV, but it usually results in only cold-like symptoms, when an infant or smaller child gets it, then it could turn dangerous or even deadly. December and January are the peak months for this disease, and it attacks the throat, nose, and lungs. When older adults or children get RSV, they may need additional oxygen to help them through it, IV fluids to stay hydrated, and intubation in more severe cases. It is common for elder people or children under two to end up in the hospital for a few days for treatment, but if left untreated, could lead to pneumonia. Oxygen often dips and breathing reps increase, especially at night, making it tough to sleep and making the body work harder than it should.  

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For most healthy adults and older children, a day or two of rest at home is enough, but if you have babies or live with someone older, you may want to keep an eye on them and get them checked out, especially if you notice them breathing harder than normal. Make sure to take them in if in question, as the result of leaving them at home could be costly. For more on RSV, make sure to click the link above.