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A health alert is being issued by the Tompkins County Health Department of a reported increase of RSV cases in the community, with an addition to a rise in flu cases as well.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a highly contagious and common respiratory virus that will most likely cause mild cold-like symptoms in older children and adults. The usual time of recovery takes between one to two weeks, but RSV can be severe, especially for infants or senior citizens.
The Tompkins County Health Department has provided tips parents should follow if they have a child who is at high risk of contracting RSV.
Those tips include:
- Avoid close contact with someone who is ill
- Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching their face with unwashed hands
- Limit the time their child spends in childcare centers or any other potentially contagious area.
- Keep sick family members home from work, school, and isolated from those who are healthy.
