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Source: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/health/news-article.aspx?storyid=126074&catid=10
Serious Virus on the Rise in Florida and Georgia
Posted By: Patty Crosby Created: 12/17/2008 8:29:01 AM Updated: 12/17/2008 8:50:43 AM
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A serious virus called RSV is on the rise in Florida and Georgia and health experts say parents need to watch out. RSV(respiratory syncytial virus) is the leading cause of hospitalizations of children under the age of 1.
According to the CDC, levels of RSV have exceeded the 20 percent mark in Florida. That means that one in 5 children are testing positive for the virus. And, in Georgia the state is seeing RSV levels much higher at 40 percent.
Because the signs and symptoms can be similar to those of the common cold, sometimes parents overlook them. Once a child contracts RSV there is no cure, that's why prevention is so critical.
All infants are at risk for developing RSV, preemies are at highest risk due to their stunted lung development.
Make sure to talk to your pediatrician about RSV, how to prevent it, and how to recognize it.
Serious Virus on the Rise in Florida and Georgia
Posted By: Patty Crosby Created: 12/17/2008 8:29:01 AM Updated: 12/17/2008 8:50:43 AM
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A serious virus called RSV is on the rise in Florida and Georgia and health experts say parents need to watch out. RSV(respiratory syncytial virus) is the leading cause of hospitalizations of children under the age of 1.
According to the CDC, levels of RSV have exceeded the 20 percent mark in Florida. That means that one in 5 children are testing positive for the virus. And, in Georgia the state is seeing RSV levels much higher at 40 percent.
Because the signs and symptoms can be similar to those of the common cold, sometimes parents overlook them. Once a child contracts RSV there is no cure, that's why prevention is so critical.
All infants are at risk for developing RSV, preemies are at highest risk due to their stunted lung development.
Make sure to talk to your pediatrician about RSV, how to prevent it, and how to recognize it.