LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- RSV is running rampant in Kentucky, infecting infants, kids and adults in record numbers.

"For whatever reason this RSV has kind of hit our family fairly hard this past couple of weeks," said Adam Flener, who lives in south Louisville.

In an effort to help others, Flener shared his family's story.

"It hit real quick," he said.

Four of his family members, himself included, got sick with RSV in the last week and-a-half.

"I did not realize that RSV was as contagious as it is," Flener said.

It started with his 2-year-old granddaughter, and now it has spread to his adult daughter, who is also pregnant, and Flener's 2-year-old nephew.

"Honestly, we're not real sure where it started, where we came in contact," Flener said.

Flener family

Adam Flener, who lives in south Louisville, said four of his family members got sick with RSV in less than two weeks. (Photos provided by Flener)

The busy family thinks they could've picked it up at church or school. Flener is still contagious and unable to go to work or see people in person.

"It really surprised me, again, how quickly it came on. And you know it has been a little bit more rough than a traditional cold," he said.

The state of Kentucky's weekly update from last week shows COVID-19 activity is moderate, but the Flu and RSV activity is increasing, and so are hospitalizations.

Last week, Norton Children's Hospital said it reported 1,600 RSV cases diagnosed in children across the Norton Healthcare system in November.

"It's a pretty bad RSV season for kids," said Dr. Michael Kuduk, president of the Kentucky Medical Association.

Kuduk said the recently-approved children's RSV antibody injection is "pretty much not available" and the recently-approved vaccine for pregnant women is really hard to find.

"Manufacturers can't keep up with the demand," he said. "It's not going to help anybody this year in the middle of RSV season."

Babies and the elderly are especially at risk for RSV.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV is a "common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms" that can be serious. Experts said infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe cases that result in hospitalization.

Symptoms of RSV can range from a runny nose and a cough, to a buildup of mucus in the lower airways. 

Doctors want parents to pay close attention to their child's breathing, such as how fast they are breathing, and to watch their bellies to see if they're struggling to breathe. Using those extra muscles to breathe could be a sign of a severe case of RSV, and likely warrants a hospital visit.

The CDC said there are some "everyday preventive actions" those who are less likely to develop a severe case of the virus can take to prevent the spread of RSV. Those actions include staying home when you're sick, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve — not your hands — washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with others and clean frequently touched surfaces.

"It's important for us to, you know, like I'm trying to do, stay home and stay away from people and you know, just be cautious of that," Flener said.

Wednesday, the Kentucky Medical Association, the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and the Kentucky Nurses Association announced the launch of Voices for Vaccination, a new public health campaign to encourage Kentuckians of all ages to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19, flu and other recommended immunizations.

“This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, which means there is no better time to arm Kentuckians with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health,” Kuduk said. “We vaccinate against serious diseases. Mild cases will make you feel bad, moderate or severe cases may send you to the hospital. Vaccines are an important way to keep you healthy.”

“Vaccines are safe, effective and important for all Kentuckians, especially children, pregnant women and our seniors," said Shawn Jones, president of the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care. "It is the single-most effective way to protect yourself and your families this holiday season."

To learn more about the Voices for Vaccination campaign and find information on vaccinations and immunizations against RSV, flu, and COVID, click here.

For more information about symptoms to look out for, what to do, and how to prevent RSV cases, click here for guidance from the CDC.

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