RSV cases on the rise, hit two year high

UNITED STATES (KYMA, KECY) - Cases of RSV or respiratory syncytial virus are on the rise across the country.

At one high school in northern Virginia, nearly half of the student population stayed home sick on Friday, reporting flu-like symptoms.

And all of the school's athletic events were canceled through the weekend.

Doctors say the recent surge is taking a toll on the nation's healthcare system. The majority of pediatric cases being RSV a common respiratory infection in young kids.

But what's uncommon, is the massive number of cases and how early in the season it's hitting.

Doctors say that RSV symptoms may present like the common cold, and parents should watch out for lethargy, hard breathing, flaring of nostrils, and skin sucked in around the collarbones and ribs.

They also warn that cases are likely to continue spreading throughout the winter.