In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatricians, infectious-disease specialists and epidemiologists have noticed an uptick in viral infections, especially in the southern states. The viruses emerged at an atypical time of year and with uncommon virulence among children who were isolated during the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory warning respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, has appeared with increasing frequency in 10 southern states. The CDC stated it expects wider circulation of respiratory viruses as schools and workplaces return to in-person operation and relax avoidance strategies. (The Washington Post article, 6/16/21)
