In parts of the U.S., infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. About 1 in 5 St. Louisans (20%) say they’ve heard about the increase.
RSV infection typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be severe among infants and older adults. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, African American community members were more likely than Whites (27% vs. 16%) to report hearing about the rise in RSV cases, as were those ages 40 and older compared to those younger than 40 (30% vs. 10%).
Last winter, many U.S. communities experienced a “tripledemic,” with cases of RSV, COVID, and flu peaking at the same time and putting great strain on the health care system. It is too soon to know if a tripledemic will occur in 2023.
Dr. Kanika Cunningham, Public Health Director at St. Louis County’s Department of Public Health, recently told KSDK, “During this season, what we are definitely encouraging and recommending is for everyone to be mindful about COVID-19, influenza and RSV.”
A new RSV immunization for infants and vaccine for older adults and pregnant people is now available and could help protect against hospitalizations from RSV this year. The CDC says the RSV vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
This week’s report is based on 158 responses from a panel of St. Louis City and St. Louis County adult residents surveyed from Saturday, September 16, to Monday, September 18, 2023.
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1 in 5 St. Louisans say they’ve heard about the increase in RSV infections.
A new RSV immunization for infants and vaccine for older adults and pregnant people is now available and could help protect against hospitalizations from RSV this year.
#iHeardSTL #RSV #RSVvaccine
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Did you know?
There is an RSV vaccine for infants, pregnant people and older adults. Contact your healthcare provider if you should get the vaccine.
#iHeardSTL #RSV #RSVvaccine