Med Center Health sees rise in RSV and flu cases

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Flu cases and RSV are continuing to rise in the area. This year the strain of RSV has some physicians concerned due to the lingering nature of the disease which normally tapers off in mid-November.

Flu is more of a typical but still concerning story, influenza can cause a number of problems for the immunocompromised and sensitive populations as well as the young and elderly which can result in pneumonia and hospitalization says Med Center Health physician Dr. Suman Shaker.

With both illnesses on the rise it means that the general population may be at great risk of catching one of the two depending on health and age.

“Each season they go through something like a tree if you think of a tree and its branches. So each branches are different from the other branch. So like that way, viruses keep changing every season. And this season RSV is very infective,” Shaker said.

Vaccines are available for both illnesses with nasal spray alternatives available for flu and many low cost option including full coverage by Medicaid at your physician, With RSV a vaccine exists for young children, elderly adults and even pregnant women.