A surge in illnesses, including RSV and walking pneumonia, is affecting families in Georgia and South Carolina during the holiday season. According to Dr. Nita Bijoor, a South Carolina family physician, children are particularly vulnerable to these respiratory illnesses.
“The kids are really quick to pick up infections in spite of all of the measures,” she said. “I recognized the clinical symptoms immediately” when her child had walking pneumonia. Bijoor emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking treatment promptly.
RSV can be dangerous in infants, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis, while walking pneumonia is a common condition that affects children, especially during flu season. Experts recommend handwashing, vaccination, and keeping sick children home to reduce the spread of germs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns pregnant women, children, and older adults are most affected by RSV. While flu numbers have stayed low in some areas, experts stress the importance of flu shots, especially during this time of year.
“Keep your hands clean frequently,” says Dr. Curt Grob, a South Carolina doctor. “And keeping them out of school when you’re visiting will help limit the spread.”
Source: https://www.wrdw.com/2024/12/18/georgia-south-carolina-are-seeing-surge-sickness