23 min
Season 2 Episode 8: Situational Update on COVID-19/Flu/RSV Pt.2 Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz
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- Medicine
Additional resources
OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov
OHA Facebook
Safe+Strong website
Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz
REACH webpage and REACH Facebook
Q1: What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is a common respiratory virus that spreads through virus-containing repiratory droplets produced from coughing and sneezing
For most children, RSV produces mild illness. However, young children are especially susceptible to RSV.
Those at higher risk of severe illness are:
Children under the age of 2
Premature infants
Infants with congenital or chornic cardiopulmonary disease
Older adults 65+
Children and adults with weakend immune systems
When children are first infected with RSV, between 25-40% will have symptoms of bronchiolitis or penumonia
Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that only about 2% of children will require hospitalization
Q2: What are signs and symtpoms of RSV?
Symptoms will show within 4 to 6 days after getting infected.
Runny nose
Decrease in appeitite
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing
Symptoms in infants with RSV may be
Irritability
Decrease activity
Breathing difficulties
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.
Q3: What is the impact of RSV in the Black and African American community?
Research has show that due to racism-related stress Black and African American women are more likely to deliver a premature baby.
The risk of contracting RSV is even higher for premature babies. Making this of particular concern for Black and African American community.
Being aware of the impact of RSV on the community and the preventive steps that can be taken, is critical to protect the health and well-being of children.
Q4: What are some safety measure one should take?
Stay home when sick to help protect other others in the community from catching the illness, if possible
Avoid close contact with sick people
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Disinfect high touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices
Consider a mask in crowded indoor settings
During this time of year, it’s recommend to stay up to date on flu and COVID vaccinations to help prevent other repiratory illness.
If you have questions about your child’s care, call your health care provider or visit an urgent care center.
Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.
Additional resources
OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov
OHA Facebook
Safe+Strong website
Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz
REACH webpage and REACH Facebook
Q1: What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV, is a common respiratory virus that spreads through virus-containing repiratory droplets produced from coughing and sneezing
For most children, RSV produces mild illness. However, young children are especially susceptible to RSV.
Those at higher risk of severe illness are:
Children under the age of 2
Premature infants
Infants with congenital or chornic cardiopulmonary disease
Older adults 65+
Children and adults with weakend immune systems
When children are first infected with RSV, between 25-40% will have symptoms of bronchiolitis or penumonia
Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that only about 2% of children will require hospitalization
Q2: What are signs and symtpoms of RSV?
Symptoms will show within 4 to 6 days after getting infected.
Runny nose
Decrease in appeitite
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing
Symptoms in infants with RSV may be
Irritability
Decrease activity
Breathing difficulties
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.
Q3: What is the impact of RSV in the Black and African American community?
Research has show that due to racism-related stress Black and African American women are more likely to deliver a premature baby.
The risk of contracting RSV is even higher for premature babies. Making this of particular concern for Black and African American community.
Being aware of the impact of RSV on the community and the preventive steps that can be taken, is critical to protect the health and well-being of children.
Q4: What are some safety measure one should take?
Stay home when sick to help protect other others in the community from catching the illness, if possible
Avoid close contact with sick people
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Disinfect high touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices
Consider a mask in crowded indoor settings
During this time of year, it’s recommend to stay up to date on flu and COVID vaccinations to help prevent other repiratory illness.
If you have questions about your child’s care, call your health care provider or visit an urgent care center.
Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.
23 min