BEAUMONT, Texas — RSV is making it's way through Southeast Texas and putting infants and older adults in the hospital.
"It has been a really bad RSV season," said Dr. Ramona Ataya Dakour.
Doctors say, it's not slowing down. There is a vaccine to fight this virus, but it's hard to come by. This leaves babies and seniors in a vulnerable position.
A lot of providers are out of the shots that build up your immune system against RSV.
It's necessary to wash your hands, wear a mask and if you're sick stay away from babies and the elderly to minimize the spread.
"This morning alone we probably saw 8-10 cases, not gonna lie. So it's rampant," Dr. Dakour said.
While RSV may feel like a bad cold to most, it could mean a trip to the emergency room for babies and seniors.
"It can get bad in little kids younger than two and the elderly above age 60," said Dr. Robert Cody Bell at KidMed Pediatrics. "We're averaging 40 to 50 positive RSV cases per day."
The virus sticks on surfaces like table tops or clothing, making it highly contagious. It's spread through coughing and sneezing.
"It's usually a cold so a lot of times siblings will bring it home from school and not really know it's that big of a deal. But it can't be that big of a deal to little babies," Dr. Bell said.
There are the signs that indicate you need to see a doctor if you have RSV.
"If their nose is flailing, they're retracting, you start to see their ribs when they're breathing, their head is bobbing up and down really quickly. You know more than 40 times a minute," said Dr. Dakour.
There is a vaccine that provides protection, but it's hard to get your hands on right now.
"There was just such a high demand for it. We can't even order anymore. We got our first batch, and they went fast," said Dr. Dakour.
Those who qualify for the vaccine include people 60 years or older and all babies that were born later than March 1, 2023.
Pediatricians advise to bring your child to their primary care doctor first if you can. Beaumont Public Health suggests the elderly go to the pharmacy to get the vaccine.
Dr. Bell said that KidMed still has some vaccines left for kids.