LAYTON, UT (August 27, 2025) – With fall around the corner, now is a good time to think about respiratory health. RSV is a virus that often mimics a cold, but in infants and older adults it can present a serious challenge – sometimes leading to hospitalization.
Respiratory therapists at Holy Cross Hospital – Davis say they have already seen a couple of RSV cases in recent weeks, which is unusual for this time of year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends RSV vaccines for infants under 8 months old, for adults over 60 - especially those with underlying health conditions, and for pregnant women.
“Now is a good time to get an RSV vaccination,” said Bill Carter, Director of Pulmonary Medicine at Holy Cross Hospital – Davis. “By getting vaccinated now, it allows the antibodies to build up in your system – before the RSV season ramps up.”
The hospital also offers a clinic to treat children who become ill with RSV. By managing the heavy secretions that often accompany RSV in the clinic, respiratory therapists are often able to prevent these children from having to be hospitalized. The clinic is open 24/7 and is available at both the Roy Emergency Department and the main hospital campus in Layton. Patients need a physician referral to access the clinic.
Parents can bring their children to the clinic – sometimes multiple times a day – where our therapists can help clear the nasal passages and throat of the mucous build up that makes breathing difficult for young children with RSV. Symptoms parents can watch for in children with RSV or suspected RSV are heavy nasal secretions, lack of interest in eating or breastfeeding, and a pale color due to lower oxygen levels.
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