Respiratory virus arrives in Oklahoma ahead of flu this year
Young children, elderly are at higher risk for breathing ailment

BY SUSAN SIMPSON Comments 0
Published: December 24, 2008

While flu cases have yet to be reported to state officials, the state has seen dozens of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV cases.

Like flu, the respiratory disease season lasts from late fall until spring. As of Dec. 13, 145 cases had been reported to the state Health Department.

Dr. Kristy Bradley, state epidemiologist BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

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AT A GLANCE

ABOUT THE BUG

Transmission: Respiratory syncytial virus is transmitted through nose and throat secretions, either by direct contact or coughs and sneezes. In adults, RSV produces mild, cold-like symptoms. But for very young patients, older people or those with chronic health conditions, the virus can lead to pneumonia and even death.

Symptoms: Infection with the virus is characterized by difficulty breathing and severe coughing.

"That’s pretty much on track with what we’ve seen in the last couple years,” state epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley said.

The sometimes-fatal illness mostly occurs in infants and toddlers, although children and older people with heart and lung issues also are vulnerable.

"By the time a child is 2 years old, they have usually been exposed to RSV,” Bradley said. "As you get older, you can still get infections, but it’s more like a mild threat.”

How to prevent it

Bradley said parents can protect babies by covering them in public and limiting their exposure to crowds. Frequent handwashing also can help deter the spread of the virus.

There is no treatment for RSV other than hospitalization to monitor breathing. The state does not track RSV deaths.

"RSV is the most common cause of hospitalization in infants under 1 year old,” said Dr. Casey Hester, a pediatrician at OU Medical Center.

She said children who had RSV may be more likely to develop wheezing and asthma-like symptoms at a later time.

By the time a child is 2 years old, they have usually been exposed to RSV. As you get older , you can still get infections, but it’s more like a mild threat.”

Dr. Kristy Bradley
state epidemiologist