PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Hampton Roads is starting the new year with a rise in infectious diseases, according to the CDC.
Among them, RSV is on the rise in parts of the country. Virginia saw its RSV rates rise in the fall, before stabilizing by the end of 2024. But our local health experts say overall respiratory illnesses are increasing in the Commonwealth, accounting for about 22.2% of emergency room visits.
Heather Harmon-Sloan with the Virginia Department of Health blames the typical flu season, holiday gatherings and a decline in vaccine rates. For RSV, they are seeing high rates among children ages four and under.
“They are at high risk, especially those under one year of age,” Harmon-Sloan said.
RSV symptoms are similar to those of the cold. The disease can be especially harmful to young children and older adults.
“RSV can lead to lower respiratory tract disease such as pneumonia, and this really can cause hospitalization or death in infants, as well as older adults, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic lung disease,” Harmon-Sloan explained.
There are vaccine options to prevent RSV for younger and older age groups. Harmon-Sloan urges everyone to stay up to date on vaccines to prevent respiratory diseases.
Covering coughs, washing hands and keeping your workplace clean will also help.
As for COVID-19, it is also on the rise in Virginia, accounting for about 1.3% of ER visits. The flu is hitting about 4.1% of ER patients.
“The same respiratory prevention measures come into play when we’re talking about COVID-19 and influenza, all respiratory illnesses for that matter,” Harmon-Sloan said. “So diagnosed flu also is increasing and represents actually higher percentages of emergency department visits than both COVID 19 and RSV.”
The department of health constantly tracks statewide infection rates online.
