Two of Maine’s largest healthcare systems say a rise in RSV cases among babies and toddlers is putting a strain on capacity.
RSV is a respiratory illness which typically results in cold-like symptoms for adults, but can cause severe illness in young children.
On Friday, all 87 staffed pediatric beds at the Barbara Bush Children’s hospital were occupied. At Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, their beds were 97 percent full.
MaineHealth and Northern Light Health are urging families to take steps to stay healthy this winter.
Dr. James Jarvis with Northern Light Health says families should keep up the same habits they picked up during the COVID pandemic, including washing your hands or using sanitizer, staying home if you’re not feeling well, and getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
