This is the time of year when influenza and respiratory viruses, or RSV cases rise.
“This year, though, we are noticing an increase in RSV vaccine that’s four times higher than it was around January of this year, and that’s really driving a lot of our admissions to our children’s hospital.”
Division Chief of Pediatrics for Corewell Health – Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Dr. Kira Sieplinga says the patients most affected by RSV are typically newborns, infants and toddlers.
“And then second to that comes influenza. So, we’ve been seeing a spike in influenza since Christmas time that isn’t relenting yet.”
Though Corewell Health did not provide specific numbers, Dr. Sieplinga said cases are not hampering the hospital’s ability to treat patients.
“Our hospital capacity is fine right now, so we have the ability to care for all of our patients in our community.”
Dr. Sieplinga says best practices remain washing your hands, covering your mouth by coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and it’s still not too late to receive your annual flu or COVID vaccine.
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