Green Country dealing with flu and RSV

Area hospitals are packing in the patients. The biggest problem is from viral infections. <br><br>St Francis Children's Hospital has reported a dramatic increase in flu and RSV cases this year. The

Tuesday, February 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Area hospitals are packing in the patients. The biggest problem is from viral infections.

St Francis Children's Hospital has reported a dramatic increase in flu and RSV cases this year. The number of patients admitted due because of the flu is approaching 300 this year. RSV cases are also up over last year.

That has many hospitals statewide filled with patients. Some people have had to be diverted elsewhere for help. That has area health experts encouraging parents to recognize the classic symptoms of childhood viral infections first, before making a trip to the ER. Dr William Banner, Medical Director at St Francis Hospital, "They can also be working very hard to breathe when their noses are obstructed, and sometimes it's also that their lungs are getting very sick and so you have to watch how their breathing."

Doctor's say they expect the next several weeks to remain highly contagious, not just for infants and children, but for parents and adults as well.