Health experts say RSV on the rise in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – RSV is on the rise in Tennessee. 

Health experts are advising people to be cautious ahead of the winter months. 

“We are seeing a really big spike in RSV. One of the ways we do this is we monitor the wastewater viral load here,” said Dr. Joseph Cihlar. “The graph you can see from the health department website is going up pretty fast.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, Respiratory Syncytial Virus causes infections in the lungs. 

The virus is more common in infants and older adults.

“It is very important for everyone to be aware of RSV because most people know somebody who is either elderly and or somebody who has a baby that is under six months,” said Dr. Cihlar. “It is very important especially when you go around people like that to practice good hand hygiene.”

Symptoms of RSV can include headaches and dry cough. 

“Runny nose, sinus congestion, sore throat, sneezing are symptoms as well. If you are getting a more severe case, wheezing, particularly with babies, is something to watch out for,” Dr. Cihlar said. 

Health experts encourage folks to get vaccinated or seek medical attention. 

And Doctors say hydration is a key to a healthy body.  

“If you are a parent with a young baby, you just want to really watch how their breathing is doing. make sure to try your best to keep them well hydrated, but if there is ever any concern about your breathing, you definitely need to see the ER or your family doctor,” Dr. Cihlar concluded.