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By Tanner Smith

Health

RSV on the rise throughout winter months

Nov 14, 2022 | 12:06 PM

As the cold winter months set in, so does flu season and the risk of Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

North Zone medical officer of health Dr. Kathryn Koliaska says people should take the extra steps to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter, taking measures like washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and wiping down any surfaces that may be contaminated will limit the spread.

“RSV is a respiratory virus, as is the common cold, as is COVID, as is influenza, as are many other respiratory viruses that circulate and tend to circulate more as winter hits, and looking out the window, winter has certainly come.”

However RSV is most common in children, and these minor respiratory illnesses can lead to more serious ones, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Koliaska said just like preventing RSV is diverse so are people’s options of care for when they do get sick.

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“Phoning Health Link 811 for advice from healthcare professionals, healthcare services in the community and if people are urgently and very seriously sick of course there’s the emergency department as well, but it’s really about choosing the right set of options and the right kind of help for the situation at hand.”

She adds RSV isn’t a risk to the general public, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, if people are worried and have questions, Alberta Health Services can answer them.

“I would say know your options and get great information, both the Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health websites are chock-full of really good quality health information. Alternatively, if people prefer a telephone option and have a specific question, the Health Link at 811 is a great place to get information.”

She adds everyone’s situations are different, and you should make the choices best suited for your own and your family’s health.

AHS has released some tips to limit the spread of RSV:

• To prevent the spread of any illness, wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water.
• Do not share items that come in contact with the mouth, including water bottles, drinks, or eating utensils.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hand. If you use a tissue, discard it immediately, and wash your hands thoroughly.
• Prevent any visitors that might be ill from visiting your child.
• If you have a cough, sneeze, sore throat, runny nose, and/or fever, it is recommended you stay home until you are well.