PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The symptoms are similar, but it’s not necessarily the coronavirus that’s currently putting an atypical number of children into the hospital in Pierre.

Dr. Mikel Holland, President and Chief Medical Officer at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, says RSV seems to be making the rounds earlier than usual this year.

Holland says testing is the only definitive way to determine whether a child has RSV vs COVID-19.

f a shortage of staff and an increase in the number of people seeking medical care, the Avera Medical Group Clinic in Pierre is requiring an appointment for all services, including urgent care, until further notice. But again, Holland says, the coronavirus isn’t the only reason more people are seeking medical treatment.

Holland says medical facility employees are doing their best to care for patients, but the staff is stretched thin. He says people can help reduce the work load by getting vaccinated and continuing to be vigilant about following COVID-19 prevention practices.

Holland says the COVID vaccines are doing a great job of preventing cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the overall population. He says the majority of COVID-19 deaths or cases requiring ICU care are among the unvaccinated.