By Robin Ferruggia
The Surveyor

Respiratory viruses are on the rise this winter in Colorado and Larimer County. COVID-19, influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are peaking at the same time and keeping hospitals busy.

Despite the surge, hospitals currently have enough staff and the situation is manageable, Kevin Unger, president and CEO of UC Health North Region, said.

“Hospitals are busy but have staffing and the facilities to provide good quality care,” Tom Gonzales, MPH, Larimer County Public Health director, said.

Vaccines and common sense precautions like frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, staying home when you are sick and wearing a mask are effective ways to minimize the risks of getting a respiratory virus.

Good nutrition and daily exercise also help decrease the impact if you do become ill, Dr. Paul Meyer, medical officer for Larimer County, said.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Symptoms arise four to six days after infection and usually include a runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. These symptoms may appear in stages or may not all appear.

In young infants, these symptoms may not appear and the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and difficulty breathing
Although most people recover within a week or two, RSV can become serious and potentially life-threatening, especially for seniors aged 60 and over and infants. It can cause severe infections, such as bronchiolitis, which is an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, and pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than one year of age. (CDC)

Seniors with comorbid conditions such as heart or lung disease are more likely to suffer serious problems with RSV, said Dr. Meyer. In addition, RSV is more likely to have an adverse impact on seniors because the immune systems of elderly persons get worse as they age, he said.
Severe cases of RSV can be complicated by cardiovascular issues, which can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Studies have shown that up to 63% of hospitalized adults with RSV have underlying cardiovascular disease and that 14 to 22% of adult patients hospitalized for RSV deal with cardiovascular complications including worsening congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome and arrhythmias. Researchers believe RSV primarily impacts cardiovascular health through the respiratory tract. RSV has also been linked to myocardial damage. It can also lead to ischemia, an inadequate blood supply to the heart, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular, fast heartbeat.

Cardiovascular complications may include heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. (American Heart Association)

RSV can also be dangerous for infants and young children.

Children at greatest risk from RSV are premature infants, infants up to 12 months in age, children younger than two years with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease, children with weakened immune systems, and children who have muscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions. (CDC)

In December 2023 hospitals reported 626 hospitalizations for RSV statewide, 93% of which were for newborn babies and children aged up to four years, and 8% for adults aged 65 and over.

Larimer County hospitals reported 36 RSV hospitalizations with 61% for newborns and children up to five years of age and 22% for adults aged 65 and over.

It is critically important to see your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of RSV or suspect your child may have it.
RSV vaccines are available for pregnant women, infants and children.

When given to pregnant women, the antibodies created are passed on to the infant and provide protection for up to six months after birth. Vaccines given to children can help prevent them from developing severe symptoms if they get RSV.

RSV vaccines are available for adults aged 60 and over and can protect against severe illness. They are especially recommended for adults who have chronic heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems. (CDC)

Those who are unable to afford vaccines, such as those who do not have health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover their cost, can get them for low or no cost from the Larimer County Health Department.

Larimer County Health Department locations are 1525 Blue Spruce Dr., in Fort Collins, and 200 Peridot Ave., in Loveland. Appointments must be made and the number for both locations is 970-498-6700.