Getting Hit with RSV and Walking Pneumonia this Season: What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as “walking pneumonia,” are circulating widely amongst very young children. Both illnesses are showing up in numbers higher than in recent years, and walking pneumonia is especially concerning because it’s hitting babies and toddlers at unusually young ages. While this combination set parents up for a potentially sniffle-filled season, health experts assure us that the pattern isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. What we’re seeing is, however, a fascinating glimpse into how our immune systems interact with a post-pandemic world.
Understanding the Rise: Why Now?
Back on October 18th, the CDC officially announced a rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly among preschoolers. Since March, instances of the illness have been steadily climbing across all age groups, reaching a peak in August. However, it’s the surge among toddlers that’s particularly noteworthy: hospital discharges for walking pneumonia in 2- to 4-year-olds jumped dramatically from 1% to 7.4% by early October. While RSV news is just hitting the headlines as the season gets underway, the Southeast, which typically sees early RSV cases, is already showing signs of increased activity.
“Historically, RSV has peaked in mid-December” notes Dr. Larry Kociolek, an associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine. “But since COVID, we’ve seen it appear earlier in the year.” His explanation? Babies born during COVID-related lockdowns and social distancing weren’t exposed to common viruses like RSV. When these measures eventually eased, babies encountered these germs outside the typical RSV season, triggering earlier outbreaks.
“This year’s season timing aligns more closely with what we would typically expect,” Dr. Kociolek reassures us. A similar pattern is playing out with walking pneumonia. The same lack of exposure during the pandemic terrain explains why rates are now higher than in recent years, particularly among toddlers. “We’re seeing higher numbers compared to previous seasons, but that’s mainly because younger children haven’t experienced as many sickdays in the last few years,” explains Dr. Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s Health.
The rise in this particular type of pneumonia amongst young kids, especially those aged 2 to 4, is driven by a combination of factors. It’s partly the post-pandemic phenomenon described by Dr. Kociolek, and partly linked to the fact that toddlers are newcomers to the world of school-age siblings. These schoolmates often bring home the mycoplasma bacterium, which causes walking pneumonia. Highly contagious, it spreads through coughs and sneezes and remains transmissible for two to four weeks after exposure.
No Need to Panic: Protect Your Little Ones
Fortunately, effective treatments and preventative measures are available for both RSV and walking pneumonia. While RSV can cause cold-like symptoms in older children and adults, it’s the leading cause of hospitalization for babies in the United States. However, there’s a silver lining: a vaccine administered during the third trimester of pregnancy can protect newborns. Babies under 19 months can also receive a specialized antibody injection for RSV protection.
Walking pneumonia, despite its somewhat alarming name, is typically mild. Most children can continue their daily routines. Symptoms mirror those of a cold or, less commonly, COVID-19, including a runny nose and cough. In most cases, antibiotics are effective and readily available.
“If your child’s cough doesn’t improve after five to seven days, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Your pediatrician can determine if it’s walking pneumonia and prescribe the necessary antibiotics, ” advises Dr. Sharma.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Larry Kociolek, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kociolek! Thank you for joining us today. With the current surge in RSV and walking pneumonia cases among young children, many parents are understandably concerned. Can you explain what’s driving this rise in illnesses this season?
Dr. Kociolek: Thank you for having me! The increase we’re seeing, particularly in walking pneumonia and RSV, is largely due to the aftermath of the pandemic. Children who were born during the COVID-19 lockdowns haven’t been exposed to these common viruses like RSV before. So now that restrictions have eased, they’re facing these germs for the first time—and unfortunately, outside the traditional RSV season.
Editor: That’s quite interesting. The CDC reported that hospital discharges for walking pneumonia in toddlers have jumped from 1% to 7.4% in such a short period. What would you attribute this notable spike to?
Dr. Kociolek: Exactly! The pandemic significantly altered the usual cycle of virus exposure. Younger children, particularly toddlers, missed out on a few vital years of immune system training. The higher rates of walking pneumonia this year are a direct consequence of this lack of prior exposure. Because they haven’t had many sick days in recent years, their immune systems are now confronting these illnesses at a time when we typically wouldn’t see such a surge.
Editor: So, with the season kicking off, should parents be alarmed, or is there a reason to be cautiously optimistic?
Dr. Kociolek: There’s definitely no need for alarm. What we’re witnessing is a return to more typical seasonal patterns. RSV has historically peaked around mid-December, and this year, it seems like we’re trending back towards that timeline. While the numbers are higher, they are expected within the context of a population that missed out on exposure in the past.
Editor: Dr. Sharma mentioned in the article that these higher numbers are mainly due to younger children experiencing fewer sick days in the last few years. Does this imply immunity deficiencies, or could it lead to stronger immune responses later on?
Dr. Kociolek: It is indeed a double-edged sword. On one hand, kids may seem more susceptible due to this lack of exposure, but on the other hand, once they encounter these viruses, their immune systems will learn from them. This could bolster their defenses for future seasons. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how our immune systems adapt to changing environments, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
Editor: That’s a valuable perspective. What steps can parents take to mitigate the risks for their children during this outbreak season?
Dr. Kociolek: It’s always good to practice standard precautions—washing hands regularly, practicing good hygiene, and keeping sick children at home. Vaccinations are important, too, especially for those who are eligible. Monitoring for symptoms like heavy breathing or persistent cough can also help in detecting any serious issues early on.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kociolek. It sounds like navigating this cold season doesn’t have to be tremendously stressful if parents remain informed and vigilant. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr. Kociolek: Just that it’s crucial for parents to stay educated and in touch with their pediatricians. When in doubt, they should seek medical advice. The more we understand these patterns, the better we can help our children adapt and stay healthy.
Editor: Thank you again, Dr. Kociolek, for sharing your insights today. It’s invaluable for our community to hear from experts like you during this essential time.
Dr. Kociolek: Thank you for having me! Stay healthy, everyone!