Doctors warn of trifecta of viruses: flu, COVID and RSV

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — As flu, COVID and RSV cases rise, the fight to stay healthy grows stronger.

Dr. Lindsay Ragsdale at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital says the rise in the number of flu, COVID and RSV patients is normal for this time of year.

“Our winter season is honest for sure. We are seeing infection rates rise in the past few weeks,” said Dr. Ragsdale.

She says RSV, in particular, has many parents worried. It’s a virus that affects mainly young infants and children.

There are certain symptoms to watch out for if you think your child might have RSV.

“I know parents out there are worried about RSV, most kids experience runny nose, fever, cough and it can feel like a cold that might last a week or so, and then they get better on their own. Their immune system can fight off RSV. For young infants and especially small babies or ones with underlying medical conditions, it can really hit them hard. So we really see parents needing to pay attention to is how much they’re working to breathe. So sometimes they’re using all of their muscles to breathe and they’re looking like they’re in distress,” she added.

While germs are inevitable, Dr. Ragsdale recommends good hand-washing habits, keeping your kids home if they are sick and staying up-to-date with vaccines.