Reno/Sparks, Nev. Dec. 28, 2022 – The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) is reporting an additional 151 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases reported from December 18 through December 24 in Washoe County, showing a steady decrease from the highest weekly total of 263 for the week of November 27 through December 3.
Despite a decrease in RSV cases, the pressure on hospital pediatric units remains high with RSV, flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating in the community.
Parents are encouraged to first contact their child’s pediatrician to seek medical care when their children are sick before going to the emergency room. Seek emergency care if your child is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms including difficulty breathing, poor feeding, lethargy, dehydration or apnea.
Medication shortages
The CDC recommends managing fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, however according to the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy the State is experiencing shortages in over-the-counter cold remedies, some antibiotics and prescription medication for children. Below are some recommendations from the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy:
- For prescriptions: work with the pharmacist/doctor to seek alternative medication. Pharmacists may be able to modify prescriptions without having to go back to the provider.
- For over-the-counter medications:
- Do not hoard products. These medications have expiration dates that can result in waste if not used while there may be other people who do need them.
- Do not use adult strength medication on children. Adult medications can have lifelong effects on children.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to seek alternative products.
To see more information about RSV symptoms, transmission and prevention visit our website here.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.