With the winter just around the corner, doctors in Taiwan have noticed an uptick in cases of a serious disease with symptoms many may confuse for the common flu.
As the season for sniffles approaches, many parents choose to give their children flu shots. But there’s one more thing for them to worry about besides flu — the respiratory syncytial virus or RSV.
Doctors say the virus may present symptoms similar to the flu, like fever, cough, runny nose, and trouble breathing.It may also include a number of other signs, like rash and vomiting. In some cases, RSV can develop into a potentially life-threatening condition.
According to experts, there has been an uptick in RSV cases in Taiwan since September, and children under 2 years old are particularly at risk. Pediatrician Huang Li-min says that between three and five children are hospitalized for the virus every day. They spend on average between five and seven days at the hospital. He says one or two each week experience a deterioration requiring they be moved to intensive care units.
In some cases, RSV can also result in a rash. Doctors say this is the body’s reaction to the virus.
Around 80% of RSV cases develop respiratory difficulties, on top of more common symptoms like fever, cough, and runny nose. Parents and guardians should get their children to a doctor when they notice serious symptoms. Washing hands and wearing masks are also never bad ideas.