Minnesota healthcare systems 'sounding the alarm' on RSV

[KARE/WCCO/KSTP, November 21, 2022] With RSV and flu cases on the rise, doctors from Allina Health, the Minnesota Medical Association and several health care systems from across the state held a news conference Monday morning in Minneapolis to raise awareness of the issue, and remind parents about what they can do during this challenging time.

Health care systems from across the state shared advice for families ahead of the holidays. The latest numbers from late last week show more than 180 RSV hospitalizations in the Twin Cities metro area, most of them children.

Medical experts say the widespread respiratory illnesses in children -- such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza -- are causing congestion in urgent cares, clinics and emergency departments. Increased hospitalizations have led to medication shortages, too. School districts are also reporting high rates of absenteeism.

KARE 11, WCCO-TV, KSTP-TV, Fox 9, MPR News and the Star Tribune all covered the story.