Department of Pediatrics

Rebecca Bell, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics, is a pediatric critical care physician with the University of Vermont Medical Center and head of the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

(DECEMBER 8, 2022) Rebecca Bell, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics, a pediatric critical care physician with the University of Vermont Medical Center and head of the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, spoke to the (Morrisville, Vt.) News & Citizen about the importance of getting a seasonal flu shot.

“We believe that the flu shot this year is a good match for the circulating strains, and it will protect against severe disease, and everyone over the age of 6 months should get their flu shot if they haven’t gotten it yet,” Bell said.

The nation is also reckoning with a rise in hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, which is a contagious virus that inhibits regular breathing, and most often severely affects children under the age of 2. It also has doctors concerned, though a peak in RSV hospitalizations is thought to be occurring now, while influenza cases will likely continue to rise.

“This is the busiest RSV season we’ve ever had. However, it’s not unexpected, given that we have not seen much RSV in the past couple of years,” said Bell.

According to Bell, lab data from throughout New England indicates that the RSV season is hitting an early peak and will soon begin to fade, though a simultaneous hit along with the spread of flu could challenge some hospitals.

“Because so many kids are getting it and it’s so prevalent, I think we’re just having an early season,” she said. “What I do worry about is that we are starting to see a big increase in influenza cases right now.”

Parents shouldn’t get their child tested or rush them to the emergency room at the first signs of concern, Bell said, but should instead keep an eye out for signs of dehydration or troubled breathing. Though some cases require hospitalization, many RSV cases can be treated at home.