The Rise of RSV

As we enter into the heart of the Winter season, it is often filled with joyous family gatherings.  However, due to the increase in the number of people meeting together, infectious diseases, such as RSV, are usually on the rise during this time.

This is particularly true this year, as there have been a spike in the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in Orange County. Top state health officials in California reported an increase in not only RSV infections but also an increase in Covid-19 and flu cases. Additionally, the officials issued guidelines for managing the spread of RSV.

RSV in Orange County

In fact, Orange County recently on Nov. 1, 2022 declared a public health emergency amidst the surge in RSV hospitalizations.  In fact, some experts dubbed the phrase “triple demic” to describe the converging trifecta effects of RSV, Covid-19, and the flu.

Varun Marrey, junior, provides his insight on the whole ordeal. He notes that the virus seems to be catching onto many individuals on campus and abroad, including himself.

“The virus seems to be quite widespread. I frequently heard about it on the news and many people were either absent or coughing in class,” Marrey said. “The virus was not as bad in comparison to Covid or pneumonia, but it still had lingering effects that lengthened [my] recovery process.”

Indeed, the CDC notes that each year in the United States, RSV leads to approximately 2.1 million outpatient visits for children under 5 yeas old, as well as upwards to 120,000 hospitalizations for those 65 years and older.

“Overall, I don’t think it is as severe as something such as Covid, but it is undeniably quite contagious,” Marrey said.

Altogether, society continues to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of public health recommendations. During yet another breakout disease, it seems that communities will continue to cope with a variety of different infectious diseases.

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