NEWS RELEASES

A joint statement from Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, OHSU Health, Providence

PORTLAND, ORE. – Dec. 1, 2022 – Like hospitals and health systems nationwide, our health systems are continuing to see a high number of babies and young children with RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, requiring hospitalization.

RSV is a common respiratory illness — almost all children will have an RSV infection by age 2 — that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms that typically go away in a week or two. However, it’s likely children’s immune systems are not as prepared to fight the virus this year because they were not exposed during the pandemic, when masking, physical distancing and avoiding crowded indoor spaces was common.

Because of the high volume of sick young children requiring emergency services at this time, caregivers and families, unfortunately, may experience long wait times in our emergency departments. Additionally, appointments for urgent, immediate and primary care may take longer to schedule. Except when emergency care is needed, we urge families and caregivers with concerns to first call their primary care provider.

Symptoms of RSV infection usually include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever or wheezing. Serious symptoms that might indicate the need for emergency care could include trouble breathing, trouble eating due to rapid breathing, wheezing, severe dehydration or lethargy. A helpful example of RSV’s effects on a child’s breathing can be found here.

The best thing parents and caregivers can do to keep their children healthy and safe this fall and winter is to practice all the measures that were emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Wear masks in public spaces.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Stay up to date on all routine vaccinations, including flu shots and COVID-19 boosters.
• Limit infants’ exposure to frequent visitors and crowds, especially if they are at risk for severe illness and/or younger than 12 weeks of age.

Many parents and families are worried about their child’s symptoms, and wondering if they should seek a test for RSV. An RSV test is not necessary for the majority of cases, since most cases of RSV result in mild symptoms that can be managed from home; testing would not change the treatment and care recommendations from clinicians. In the hospital, RSV tests are used to best direct patient care for severe cases.

A recent forecast of RSV hospitalizations anticipates we are near the peak of this public health emergency. We thank you for your patience over the next several weeks as we continue to collaborate with the state, and other hospitals and health systems around Oregon, to respond to these challenges and help ensure children have access to the care they need. 

Respectfully,

Eric Roth, M.D., Chief of Hospital Operations, Kaiser Permanente Northwest

Dan Bissell, M.D., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center

Renee Edwards, M.D., M.B.A., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, OHSU Health

Elizabeth Ransom, M.D., FACS, Chief Medical Officer, Providence Oregon/Central Division

Related links:

• Randall Children's Hospital implements crisis standard of care
• Surge of pediatric RSV cases
• What parents and caregivers should know about RSV

About Legacy Health
Legacy Health is a locally owned, nonprofit health system driven by our mission to improve the health of those around us. We offer a unique blend of health services – from wellness and urgent care to dedicated children’s care and advanced medical centers – to care for patients of all ages when and where they need us across the Portland/Vancouver metro area and mid-Willamette Valley. With an eye toward a healthier community, our partnerships tackle vital issues such as housing and mental health. Legacy strives to help everyone live healthier and better lives, with the vision of being essential to the health of the region. For more information, visit www.legacyhealth.org.