Houston doctors see rise in respiratory viruses in post-pandemic reopening

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HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) – Cases of respiratory disease are on the rise. We’re not talking about COVID-19, but about other diseases, like RSV, which is a respiratory virus.

RSV can seriously affect infants and children, and since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, there has been a rise in cases.

“Beginning in March, we’re starting to see an increase in all non-COVID viruses, respiratory viruses, such as RSV, parainfluenza, and some seasonal cold coronaviruses,” said Dr. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology in Houston, Methodist.

SEE ALSO: The upcoming flu season could be severe. Here’s why

RSV, in particular, can cause more severe symptoms in children and the elderly. Mild symptoms in children can include:

Runny nose, lack of appetite, cough

Pneumonia can be found in severe cases in children and the elderly.

“The speed with which these viruses have come back since March, and the fact that they are out of season than they usually are,” said Dr. Long.

Usually, we’ll see a peak during the winter months, not the summer. Remember, we’re still dealing with COVID, so if you get sick and haven’t been vaccinated, Long suggests you get tested.

“It’s a bit difficult to tell the difference at first between these other viruses and COVID. So if you get sick, especially if you haven’t been vaccinated, you definitely want to get a COVID test to make sure it’s not COVID-19.”

Dr. Sarah Hassan of DM Clinical said young children and adults over the age of 60 can face the most severe illnesses.

Currently, there is no vaccine for this disease, but DM Clinical is working to change that, conducting trials of what they say will be the first-ever RSV vaccine.

“It is a highly contagious disease that is spread through respiratory droplets,” Hassan said. “So by protecting yourself, you are also protecting those around you.”

Trial for adults 60 and older is underway.

“We can’t do it without society,” Hassan said. “Not only is it beneficial for people over 60, but they are medical heroes.”

If you are interested in participating in the trial, you can visit the DM Clinical website or you can call 832-617-5764. Doctors advise anyone of any age to call if you are only interested in having a conversation.

For more information on the latest clinical trials and stories related to COVID-19, follow Marla Carter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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