Pediatric ICUs Filling Up As RSV Cases On The Rise In Illinois

ILLINOIS — It’s common knowledge that fall is the time to start taking precautions ahead of the flu and coronavirus winter seasons, but there’s a third illness that has Illinois doctors concerned this year: RSV.

RSV — or respiratory syncytial virus — is a common respiratory illness that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for infants and the elderly.

Ilinois is seeing a significant increase in cases. As of Oct. 22, the state's five-week case detection average was 128 via PCR test and four via antigen test, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those numbers are up compared to the Sept. 24 five-week average of 41.6 PCR detections and 1.2 antigen detections.

Even more sobering are the numbers from a year ago. On Oct. 23, 2021, the five-week detection average for Illinois was 26.6 cases via PCR and 0.4 via antigen.

"We are seeing a huge influx of these kids coming to the hospitals and it's unseasonably early," Anne Geistkemper, a neonatal pediatric respiratory therapy manager at Rush University Medical Center, told WLS, adding parents should call a doctor if their child is having difficulty breathing.

There are 289 pediatric intensive care unit beds in Illinois and 94 percent are full, WLS reported last week. RSV typically peaks between December and February, according to NBC 5 Chicago, which noted there is no vaccine for the illness. It spreads when viral droplets in the cough or sneeze of an infected person enter someone else’s eyes, nose or mouth.

The uptick in RSV comes as fall flu cases are higher nationally than they’ve been in over a decade, although flu activity in Illinois remains low, with 177 weekly cases confirmed in the most recent available data, from earlier in October.

“I fully expect to see an explosion of influenza, RSV, COVID, and other respiratory viral illnesses, this fall and winter,” Dr. Sharon Welbel, of Cook County Health, told NBC 5, citing waning mitigation and the early arrival of rising cases.

The number of counties at an elevated level for COVID-19 rose last week, according to the state health department.

“Illinois and much of the nation are seeing a notable increase in individuals getting sick from respiratory viruses, including the flu, RSV and once again COVID-19,” department Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a news release.

“This uptick makes it critically important for everyone to use the tools that are available to protect yourself and your family. Vaccines remain the most powerful tool to prevent serious illness. If you have not gotten the COVID-19 booster and a flu shot for yourself and your eligible children, now is a great time. I recommend everyone in Illinois get fully protected.

"And if you are feeling sick, please stay home, get tested, and call your doctor for help. I encourage all Illinoisians to do all they can to stay safe and healthy as the holiday season approaches.”

For more information about RSV, visit cdc.gov/rsv.