Local Expert Shares Tips For Tackling Winter Respiratory Illnesses

Shelby Sybrandts, Manager of Respiratory Care Services at Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital, joined the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio to discuss the winter respiratory season and the challenges that accompany it. She explained that her team supports both outpatient and inpatient needs, noting, “We do pulmonary function tests, so lung screenings to check your lung function. We also support inpatient, so asthma, COPD patients we deal with a lot and giving them breathing treatments just recover.”

Sybrandts spent much of the conversation outlining the realities of RSV, a virus that becomes increasingly common as temperatures drop. “Yes, it’s Respiratory Synthol Virus and it usually peaks in the fall, and goes through the winter,” she said. Other circulating illnesses such as the flu, COVID and the common cold also rise in colder months. Sybrandts explained why winter encourages viral spread, saying, “The cold air dries out our nasal passages, and the viruses tend to love the cold, so they stay longer with cold.”

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Certain age groups face higher risks. “Usually infants under six months of age, premature babies, or adults older than 75 years of age,” she said, noting these groups have less robust immune systems. Preventive steps can make a meaningful difference. Sybrandts advised older adults to “wash their hands, disinfect areas, avoid close contact with other sick individuals,” and to consider masks during crowded indoor gatherings.

Locally, Cedar City sees a significant number of RSV cases among very young children. “Nearly every child under two years of age gets RSV at least once,” Sybrandts explained. While most cases are mild, she said that “about 1 to 2% of those children end up in severe cases and end up hospitalized.”

Parents should watch for concerning symptoms such as trouble breathing, dehydration or persistent fever. When hospitalization is necessary, Sybrandts said staff provide “fluid, support suctioning needs… and any oxygen if they’re needing supplemental oxygen.”

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Although RSV and other winter viruses must generally “run their course,” Sybrandts emphasized hydration, lung health exercises and staying home when sick as practical steps that help protect the community.

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You can listen to the entire interview we had with Shelby Sybrandts in the podcast below.