Facing a Triple Epidemic

Public health experts are warning that Connecticut residents could face a triple threat of respiratory viruses this winter: RSV, flu, and COVID-19. RSV is a common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, RSV can be serious for infants and older adults. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age. In Connecticut, most reported cases of RSV have been in children from infancy to 9 years old.

RSV can be dangerous for babies and young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) each year an estimated 58,000 – 80,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized due to RSV. Children at greatest risk include premature infants and babies six months old and younger, children with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders, and kids younger than 2 years old who have chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.

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