RSV Updates

Healthcare Ready

National pediatric bed capacity is the scarcest it has been in two years, with 71 percent of US pediatric hospital beds reported as filled. Since October 21, hospitals in the following states and localities have seen rising pediatric surge: Rhode Island, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Ohio, Louisiana, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. The increase in pediatric hospital admissions is largely due to a rise in respiratory-related illnesses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus, and rhinovirus (RSV being the most critical illness for which children are currently being admitted to the hospital).  

We will be producing a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) situation report weekly for the foreseeable future as RSV has been surging recently within the pediatric community.  

Impact to Healthcare

The concurrence of rising RSV cases and preparation for the upcoming flu season is straining pediatric hospitals across the US. Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, is working with FEMA to set up medical tents on the hospital lawn because of the increased need for beds. 

Children’s hospitals in DC, Virginia, and Baltimore are reporting full capacity of available pediatric beds. Based on the experiences of states that are already impacted by the pediatric respiratory illness surges, current trends indicate a likelihood that more states will be impacted. 

Vulnerable Populations
Infants younger than six months, especially those who are premature, are at and especially high risk for contracting RSV and are affected by typical symptoms of this illness. Excessive medical surge caused by RSV and other respiratory diseases may threaten the health outcomes of children, especially infants if the medical surge situation worsens and crisis standards of care are implemented. 

Treatments for RSV
Prevention and preparedness will be essential to avoid worsening surge conditions for infants, children, and adolescents. Children and young adults – who are eligible – are encouraged to get flu shots prior to flu season, especially because there is no vaccine for RSV, yet. This will help prevent seasonal cases of the flu and lessen the risk of increased hospitalizations due to other respiratory illnesses. Fewer flu-related hospitalizations will ensure greater bed capacity in pediatric hospitals for the treatment of other illnesses. 

A monoclonal antibody therapy called palivizumab is available to prevent severe RSV illness in certain infants and children who are at high risk for severe disease. It cannot cure or treat children who are already suffering from serious cases of RSV; it is a preventative treatment.