(AP) -- The virus known as RSV is on the increase among children in the St. Louis region.
Hospitals are seeing a big increase in cases involving respiratory syncytial virus. Symptoms include coughing, congestion, runny nose and wheezing.
Dr. Matthew Broom, who teaches pediatrics at Saint Louis University and SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, says the virus cannot be treated with antibiotics and children often must be admitted. In rare cases, the ailment is life-threatening. November to February is the prime window for RSV transmission.
Broom urges frequent hand-washing and keeping small children and infants away from anyone with cold symptoms.
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Information contributed from: KMOX-AM, http://www.kmox.com & AP news wire
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