By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Upswing in virus that causes cold-like symptoms

Jan 19, 2017 | 10:47 AM

LETHBRIDGE –  It can feel a lot like a bad cold. But a virus known as RSV is making its presence felt this winter.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says so far there have been 14 confirmed outbreaks of Respiratory Syncytial Virus across the province, up from nine for all of last season. Three of those outbreaks have been in the south zone, with 169 positive lab results, up from 116 during last season.

In a news release, Dr. Gerry Predy, senior medical officer of health, said the virus is not unsual, but the volume is higher, and infants in particular are at risk.

The virus, which can not be prevented with vaccine, can cause a cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, earache, and fever.   South Zone medical health officer Karin Goodison warns it can also put certain vulnerable people such as young kids into the hospital with severe respiratory complications, including pneumonia.

“So a lower respiratory tract infection would be that cough persists, they develop a fever, they’re having trouble breathing, they’re wheezing – that could be bronchitis or pneumonia.”

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Goodinson says AHS is urging people with symptoms to stay home from work or school, and not to visit members of those vulnerable groups, such as infants, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

“So you think – oh, I’ve just got a little bit of a cold – no big deal, I’m going to go see my firend who just had their baaby, but, that baby could be very vulnerable and they can get quite ill with it, and sometimes, with not a lot of symptoms.”

Goodison emphasizes that infant symptoms should be taken seriously.  If you have an infant with cold symptoms who has trouble breathing, develops a new fever, becomes lethargic (not feeding well, not as responsive), you should have the infant checked by a doctor