Orange County has declared a health emergency over what officials call rapidly spreading viral infections that are leading to a record number of pediatric hospitalizations and a rise in daily emergency room visits.
Orange County has declared a health emergency over what officials call rapidly spreading viral infections that are leading to a record number of pediatric hospitalizations.
The OC Health Care Agency on Monday said daily emergency room visits are also on the rise in the county. There is no vaccine against RSV, a common respiratory virus that creates cold-like symptoms, but the county wants people to be up to date on COVID-19 and flu shots. "Following preventive measures, including remaining up to date with other vaccinations such as flu and COVID-19, can help reduce the severity of disease and can help reduce the burden on hospitals this fall and winter," Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and HCA's Chief Medical Officer, said in a statement.
Additionally, a Proclamation of Local Emergency was declared, which allows Orange County to access state and federal resources to combat the spread. Health officials are warning parents to look out for symptoms such as rapid breathing, head-bopping, lips turning blue or kids tugging at their rib cage. They also say parents and caregivers should keep young children with respiratory illnesses out of childcare, even if they have tested negative for COVID."Their lungs aren't as developed as our older children's lungs are and that's why we worry about these viruses and this inflammation affecting their lungs moreso.
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