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November 22, 2022
 There has been an increase in respiratory illnesses throughout the United States. Co-circulating viral strains, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19, are putting a strain on the healthcare system, especially in the pediatric population. It is anticipated that this situation will worsen. As a result of the increase in circulating respiratory viruses, emergency room and hospital utilization have become overburdened, particularly with pediatric intensive care bed shortages. According to IDPH, only 6% of Illinois’ 289 pediatric ICU beds were available as of October 18, 2022.1 For more information, please watch the recorded webinar from the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended for providers.
Figure 1. CDC Respiratory Illness Trends in United States, Week 43 (August 1, 2022–October 29, 2022)2
 Clinical Management and prevention are key in keeping your pediatric and adult patients well and keeping the healthcare system from being overwhelmed as we head further into this virus season. The following is recommended for healthcare systems and providers:
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Vaccinate all patients (>6 months) against influenza and COVID-19 (primary series and/or boosters).
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Use diagnostic testing to guide treatment and clinical management; test for influenza type A and B, RSV, COVID-19, and/or other viral or bacterial etiologies such as pertussis.
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Consider RSV prophylaxis in patients at high risk for disease. For more information on the indications, please review the pediatric guidance.3
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Treat patients with suspected or confirmed influenza who meet clinical criteria with influenza antivirals and for confirmed COVID-19 with Paxlovid or bebtelovimab. For more information on access to monoclonal antibody treatment, call (847) 377-8130, option #5.
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Educate your patients and/or parents on hand hygiene, masking, staying home when sick, or keeping your child away from others (until no fever for 24 hours and feeling well), particularly those with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
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Enhance health literacy by providing language-appropriate handouts that are easy to understand.
References
- IDPH, Siren Health Alert, October 20, 2022
- Illinois Chapter/American Academy of Pediatrics. Webinar, Provider Immunization Resources, https://illinoisaap.org/provider-immunization-resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated Guidance for Palivizumab Prophylaxis Among Infants and Young Children at Increased Risk of Hospitalization for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (2014), https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/134/2/415/
33013/Updated-Guidance-for-Palivizumab-Prophylaxis-Among
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