The number of people having symptoms of the common cold, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has increased significantly, and Nashville doctors have spent the past couple of weeks working in hospitals that are completely full.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, the number of complaints of respiratory illnesses in Tennessee that included fever, cough, or sore throat occurred at a “very high” rate during the week that ended on December 21.
A number of local physicians were interviewed by News 2 and stated that the rates had not appeared to decrease either.
Dr. Marla Levine, an associate professor of pediatrics and a pediatrics emergency physician at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, stated to News 2 that the emergency department had a significant rise in the number of patients in a relatively short amount of time.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, the number of complaints of illnesses similar to the flu was fewer than it was during the previous season, but it was greater than it was during the 2022-2023 season or the 2021-2022 season.
Dr. Todd Rice, a professor of medicine at VUMC, stated that being indoors and in the presence of a large number of individuals can lead to an increase in the spread of the virus.
Invasive Flying Pest Found in 5 More Kentucky Counties: Winter is the Time to Act
It was not anticipated by hospitals that high rates of cold, flu, and RSV would be seen at this late stage in the season, according to Levine. Levine stated that they make every effort to visit patients as promptly as possible with regard to youngsters who are admitted to the hospital.
“We have to triage patients,’ Levine stated. “It’s very, very scary for parents when they have their little ones who are coming in with super high fevers. [It’s important] for parents to understand the height of the fevers is not something that makes us concerned, so long as your child is otherwise healthy and they’re not a tiny, tiny baby.”
In the event that you do bring your child to the emergency room, Levine explained that the treatment will consist of providing the child with additional fluids and fever reducers in order to strengthen their condition.
“If they are starting to have difficulty breathing or if you are concerned that they are getting dehydrated, that’s where we come into play,” Levine stated. “That’s where we — as pediatric ER doctors — can help the child, but so much of management of viral illness is going to be done in the home.”
At home, parents can give their children suction for their nostrils and make sure they drink lots of fluids because proper hydration is essential. According to Levine, it is not a problem if your child does not need to eat.
FEMA Approves Nearly $600 Million for North Carolina’s Helene Recovery
In light of the fact that high rates are still present, News 2 inquired of both physicians when they anticipate a decrease in the count. Despite the fact that Levine expressed uncertainty, she expressed eagerness for the day when she would be able to report a declining trendline.
“It will probably stay high for another week or two,” Rice stated. “I think once we get past the new year, people kind of get back into their normal schedule.”