RSV dies: mom dies suddenly after viral complication – family heartbroken

A 63-year-old North Coast woman with a “beautiful smile” died after contracting RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

The family spoke to the Herald anonymously, asking not to be named out of respect yet.

The mum, described by her relatives as a community advocate with a beautiful smile, died at her Stanmore Bay home Wednesday morning after being released from North Shore Hospital on Monday.

It is not known if it was the highly contagious virus that killed her as she battled other health issues.

“We are still awaiting the details of the autopsy,” his partner said.

A spokesperson for the coroner’s office said he could confirm the death was reported to the coroner.

“The cause of death is undetermined, pending further testing,” he said.

The Herald is awaiting comments from the Department of Health and the Waitemata District Board of Health.

Strong RSV surge

Meanwhile, hospitals across the country have postponed surgeries and created additional beds for children as they face a surge in the highly contagious winter virus.

A spokesperson for Starship Children’s Hospital confirmed on Monday that 12 children were in the facility’s pediatric intensive care unit with RSV.

As of Friday, 22 children were in intensive care or in high dependency units with RSV in 11 of the 20 district health boards nationwide.

Wellington Regional Hospital had 26 children in wards with RSV and respiratory-type illnesses who did not need intensive care, while Hutt Hospital had 13 last week.

The Auckland District Health Board has yet to provide figures.

Data from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) shows that weekly visits to our six major RSV hospitals have more than doubled over the past week, from 204 to 538 presentations. Only 34 cases were recorded between April and September last year.

As the virus spreads, many daycares and elementary schools have reported large numbers of sick children, with some claiming their classrooms are half empty.

DHBs are now doing all they can to cope with the peak, including postponing surgeries, creating additional beds and restricting visitors.

Dr Sue Huang – a virologist who tracks influenza-like illness – said that since New Zealand opened our bubble to Australia there has been a surge in the number of RSV hospital presentations. .

“The week we opened the bubble, we had a presentation of RSV and it’s been increasing since last week, we’ve seen 204 presentations… it’s an exponential increase so strong.”

Last week, she said children typically experience episodes of RSV in their first two years of life, but last year there was a cohort of young babies who were never exposed to the virus in because of the lockdown and high level security measures like social distancing and hand washing.

“So not only do you get those kids who have delayed RSV exposure, but also the group of babies born after their exposure,” Huang said.

What is RSV?

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.

• It is so common that most children get infected with the virus before they are 2 years old, but it can infect adults as well.

• Symptoms are usually mild and usually mimic a cold, but they cause serious infection in babies – especially premature infants and the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

Tips for self-management of the common cold

• Get enough rest.

• Drink lots of fluids such as water.

• Use a humidifier to increase the humidity of the air, especially in your bedroom.

• Health counseling is also available 24 hours a day by calling Healthline on 0800 611 116 with interpreter service for non-English speakers.

• If you have Covid-like symptoms, please stay home and get tested. See more information here.