Local pediatrician urges parents to take precautions as respiratory viruses rise amid holiday season

November 22nd, 2022

This 1981 photo provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows an electron micrograph of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RSV. Children's hospitals in parts of the country are seeing a distressing surge in RSV, a common respiratory illness that can cause severe breathing problems for babies. (CDC via AP)

One of Atlanta’s top pediatric physicians is encouraging parents to be proactive this holiday season as respiratory viruses are on the rise.

“I am concerned with traveling and mixing of people, we may, we may see more infections, “said Dr. Andi Shane, the chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine and medical director of infectious disease at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Dr. Shane talked with show host Rose Scott about preventing flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in children –to eliminate the chances of a tripledemic.

Andy also talked about the symptoms of each virus, the importance of vaccinations and boosters, and good hygiene to slow down the spread of viruses.