GREENSBORO, N.C. — Starting Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, new restrictions go into effect at Cone Health.
RSV forced the hospital system to bring back masks in certain areas.
Visitors will be required to wear masks in the pediatrics centers at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro and Alamance Regional Medical Center in Burlington. Visitors under 12 can not visit most labor, delivery, and special care units in these hospitals. Staff said the rules are to keep patients safe, as it sees a surge in RSV cases in kids.
No one with Cone Health was able to speak via interview but leaders with Atrium Health and Guilford County's Department of Public Health shared more about RSV.
Chances are, you've probably had RSV and didn't even know it.
"It is a very common virus that really is sort of a right of passage. Everyone has had RSV by the time they're two years of age," Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases with Atrium Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed said.
RSV symptoms usually mirror symptoms of the common cold but the effects of RSV can be worse for babies and older adults.
"It impacts the young babies most just because they have the smallest airways. So, those are the ones that we hear about getting into trouble with this infection, and then as you get older and you develop a little better immunity and larger airways, it ends up being more of a cold," Ahmed said.
That's why it's important to be aware of infecting your much older and younger relatives during the holidays, Guilford County's Public Health Department said there are several ways to slow the spread of RSV.
Nursing Services Consultant with Guilford County's Public Health Department, Tammy Koonce, shared some of those ways to slow the spread:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds at a time
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with others such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups or eating utensils with other people
- Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs
- Don't kiss babies on the mouth or face
As hard as it might be, experts suggest staying home if you're sick during the holidays.
RSV infection is supposed to reach its peak in the coming weeks.
"The uptick typically occurs somewhere between October and April. You know, with sort of a peak in December," Ahmed said.
This serves as a warning that it'll get worse before it gets better.
Vaccines for older people and pregnant women, as well as babies, are available and recommended.