A tripledemic collision of flu COVID and RSV cases on the horizon in Ohio - Axios ColumbusLog InLog InAxios Columbus is an Axios company.

A tripledemic collision of flu COVID and RSV cases on the horizon

An intensive care nurse cares for a patient with RSV. Photo: Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images Respiratory illnesses in children are on the rise. Why it matters: Physicians across the country have reported seeing more cases of the , or RSV, in recent weeks, . RSV is a common respiratory virus among children that produces common cold symptoms.For most, a mild case lasts about two weeks. But some people, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, may suffer from more severe cases that can , according to the . By the numbers: RSV cases detected by PCR tests have tripled nationally in the last two months, per the U.S. case numbers have already . Zoom in: Guliz Erdem, an infectious disease physician at Nationwide Children's Hospital says the hospital is full. Many — but not all — are RSV patients. "We are in 'surge mode' but not in 'panic mode'," Erdem tells Axios. "The timing is a bit different. I wouldn't say we are seeing more RSV this year but we are seeing it." Erdem says it's too early to tell whether this year will rival 2019-20, which she said was a substantial peak season of RSV. How we got here: In pre-pandemic years, RSV would make its rounds in the fall and winter before going away in the summer, according to the . COVID-19 shifted the pattern, causing a dip in RSV as the coronavirus bullied its way through the population. Yes, but: Erdem says that during the pandemic, people were diligent about practices like hand-washing, masking and avoiding large gatherings. These all could have potentially contributed to a drop in illnesses like RSV over the last two years. People returning to pre-pandemic ways of life could explain the early surge of cases. What we're watching: The coming months are when illnesses historically peak, especially now there are little to no travel or masking restrictions. It is expected to be a rough season for sickness, with some predicting a "" collision of flu, COVID and RSV cases on the horizon. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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