Tests conducted in La Plata County have again confirmed the presence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RSV. RSV was previously confirmed in La Plata County in September. Contagious respiratory illnesses are typically at their peak in the colder fall and winter months when more activities and gatherings move indoors.
San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) advises residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as RSV, especially among children. Hundreds of children have already been hospitalized this year in Colorado due to RSV-related illness. During the current COVID-19 surge, it’s critical to limit the spread of RSV to prevent an additional strain on health care.
With high levels of COVID-19 spreading across both La Plata and Archuleta counties, COVID-19 testing continues to be critical especially if you or a child are experiencing symptoms. A negative COVID-19 test for someone experiencing a high fever or sore throat may indicate the individual has another contagious respiratory infection, such as RSV. Those who suspect illness should consult with their health care provider about testing for other respiratory illnesses, including RSV.
According to the CDC, RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people. Although most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be dangerous, particularly in infants and the elderly. In the United States, RSV is the most prevalent cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (lung infection) in children under the age of one.
This year, SJBPH is observing an increase in respiratory illnesses in the community as individuals spend more time out of the house and at gatherings. These illnesses include croup and other para-influenza viruses and the flu (influenza).
If you’re at risk for a severe respiratory infection or if you interact with an older adult, you should take extra precautions to stay healthy. The following measures help prevent the spread of respiratory infections:
- If you’re sick, stay at home. When you’re sick, try to avoid going to work, school, or public places. This will help prevent others from contracting your illness.
- Handwash often. Hands should be washed often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t accessible. Washing your hands helps to keep germs at bay.
- Keep your hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread easily in this manner.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. When coughing or sneezing, place a tissue over your mouth and nose. After that, throw the tissue away.
- Please be advised that a local public health advisory is in effect strongly urging face coverings in businesses and public indoor spaces. Wearing a mask, regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status, will limit the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
- Keep a safe distance from sick people. Avoid close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms, such as kissing and sharing cups or eating utensils.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces. Surfaces that people commonly touch, such as doorknobs, should be cleaned and disinfected. RSV-infected people can spread germs by touching surfaces and items. Furthermore, droplets containing germs might land on surfaces and objects when a person coughs or sneezes.
SJBPH strongly encourages residents to receive their annual flu immunization. Likewise, getting vaccinated against pertussis is the most effective strategy to protect newborns, children, teenagers, pregnant women, and adults from the disease.
Chandler Griffin is Communications Director for San Juan Basin Public Health District. SJBPH is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties.