An alarming rise of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases throughout Orange County has many parents worried. RSV can cause bronchiolitis, an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and swelling in the small airways of young children.
“We’re currently seeing a triple-demic, between COVID, flu and RSV,” said Hoag Medical Group pediatrician Jennifer Birkhauser, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.P, “Certain populations are more susceptible to the dangers of RSV, particularly for infants who are under one year old, but for the vast majority of people, RSV is not a serious illness.”
Diagnosis should be made by a physician because symptoms of RSV, COVID and flu look similar. Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician at www.hoagmedicalgroup.com or you can walk-in or reserve your spot in line at one of 15 Hoag Urgent Care locations by visiting www.hoagurgentcare.com.
Dr. Birkhauser offers four important things to keep in mind for Orange County parents who are worried about RSV.
Don’t wait. If your child has the following symptoms, get checked out immediately:
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Cough
- Short periods without breathing (apnea)
- Trouble eating, drinking, or swallowing
- Wheezing
- Flaring of the nostrils or straining of the chest or stomach while breathing
- Breathing faster than usual, or trouble breathing
- Turning blue around the lips and fingertips
Turn to Experts. For fast access to expert, compassionate care, Hoag Medical Group pediatricians and Hoag Urgent Care providers have you covered. They’ll assess your child’s condition and, if need be, connect you with Hoag health care system resources.
Know We’re Here for You When You Need Us Most. Viruses don’t wait politely until it’s 8 a.m. on a Monday morning. That is why Hoag Medical Group and Hoag Urgent Care offer extended hours. In addition to Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. virtual or in-office appointments, Hoag Medical Group offers Saturday appointments for sick children from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hoag Health Center Tustin Legacy for HMG patients.
Hoag Urgent Care is open 7 days with extended hours as follows:
- Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with two locations open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Huntington Harbor and Irvine Sand Canyon).
- Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rest Assured. Hoag’s comprehensive care and shared medical records keep your pediatrician in the know about your child’s experience in the urgent care. This level of communication ensures seamless care to get your child healthy and happy as quickly as possible.
Also featured in: ABC7 Part 1 and ABC7 Part 2
