What Parents, Expectant Mothers, and Older Adults ShouldKnow
When people think about respiratory illnesses, influenza and COVID-19 often come to mind first. However, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has quietly been one of the most common causes of serious illness in infants for decades and can also cause significant complications in older adults. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
A Brief History of RSV
RSV has an interesting origin story. The virus was first identified in 1956 in chimpanzees experiencing cold-like symptoms and was originally called the “Chimpanzee Coryza Agent.” A year later, researchers discovered the same virus in infants with respiratory illnesses, leading to its new name: Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
The name comes from its tendency to cause infected cells to fuse together into larger cells called syncytia. [journals.asm.org] Interestingly, some of the symptoms of RSV come not only from the virus itself, but from the inflammation that occurs as the immune system eliminates these infected cells. As syncytia is destroyed, the airways become swollen and fill with mucus and cellular debris. In tiny infant airways, this can contribute to wheezing, bronchiolitis, and difficulty breathing. [historyofv…ccines.org], [vaccinesafety.edu]
RSV is nothing new; nearly every child will get RSV at least once before their second birthday. Most recover with nothing more than cold-like symptoms, but some babies develop much more serious illness. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
RSV Symptoms
Symptoms can include runny nose, congestion, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and decreased appetite.
For many children and adults, RSV looks a lot like a common cold. However, some infections progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in infants and older adults. [cdc.gov], [vaccinesafety.edu]
How Does RSV Spread?
RSV spreads very easily through coughing, sneezing, close contact with infected individuals, and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
People can spread the virus before they even realize they’re sick, which helps explain why RSV moves quickly through households, schools, daycares, and communities. [vaccinesafety.edu], [historyofv…ccines.org]
When Is RSV Season?
In most parts of the United States, RSV season occurs between October and March, with activity often peaking during the winter months. The timing can vary somewhat from year to year and by geographic region. [cdc.gov], [primarycar…liance.com]
RSV and Babies: Why So Much Focus on Infants?
Although almost everyone gets RSV eventually, much attention is placed on babies because they experience the highest rates of severe disease and hospitalization. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
Very young infants can be more vulnerable because their airways are much smaller than an older child’s. Even minor airway swelling and mucus can make breathing difficult. Additionally, their immune systems are still developing.
The greatest risk occurs during infancy, particularly among premature infants and babies with certain heart or lung conditions. [cdc.gov], [vaccinesafety.edu]
Protecting Your Baby from RSV
One of the biggest advancements in recent years has been the ability to help protect babies before they ever become sick. Previously, only premature infants and infants with serious health conditions had access to RSV protection.
Today, families generally have two options, and most babies only need one of them. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
Option 1: Vaccination During Pregnancy
The RSV vaccine is recommended during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy during RSV vaccination season.
When a pregnant woman receives the vaccine, her immune system produces antibodies against RSV. Those antibodies cross the placenta and help protect the baby after birth. It’s the same general concept used for vaccines such as Tdap during pregnancy. [cdc.gov], [weence.com]
The RSV vaccine has been studied extensively and is considered safe for use during the recommended stage of pregnancy. The most common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches.
As with any medical decision, mothers should discuss the risks and benefits with their obstetric provider. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
The vaccine does not provide immediate protection. It takes approximately two weeks for the mother’s body to develop antibodies and transfer them to the baby. Once transferred, those antibodies generally help protect the infant through the first six months of life. [cdc.gov], [weence.com]
Option 2: RSV Antibody Protection for Babies
If a mother did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, the baby can typically receive a long-acting antibody injection after birth.
Technically, this is not a vaccine. Instead of teaching the immune system to make antibodies, it provides antibodies directly, offering immediate protection. [cdc.gov], [pedspandem…etwork.org]
Which Is Better: Pregnancy Vaccination or Infant Immunization?
Families often ask if one option is superior.
The reassuring answer is that both approaches are highly effective at reducing severe RSV disease in infants. Current recommendations generally call for one method or the other, not both. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
The best choice often depends on timing, maternal vaccination status, and individual medical circumstances.
Why Are RSV Immunizations Recommended Only for Babies Under 8 Months?
The first RSV season is when babies face their highest risk. By the time children are older than 8 months, they typically have larger, stronger airways, more mature immune systems, and have a greater likelihood of previous RSV exposure.
Researchers found that the greatest benefit comes from protecting babies during those earliest months when severe disease is most common. Some children with specific high-risk medical conditions may still qualify for protection during a second RSV season. [cdc.gov], [pedspandem…etwork.org]
Can a Protected Baby Still Get RSV?
Neither maternal vaccination nor infant antibody protection guarantees that a child will never get RSV. Their primary purpose is to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and complications. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov] So, while babies may still become infected, the illness is much less likely to become serious.
How Long Does Protection Last?
Current RSV prevention strategies are designed to cover a baby’s highest-risk period.
Maternal vaccination provides protection for approximately 6 months after birth.
Infant antibody protection lasts approximately 5 months or longer.
Will My Child Need Another RSV Immunization Later?
Most babies only require protection during their first RSV season. Certain children with chronic lung disease, severe immunocompromise, cystic fibrosis, or other high-risk conditions may qualify for protection during a second season. [pedspandem…etwork.org], [cdc.gov]
What Else Can Families Do to Prevent RSV?
Vaccination and antibody protection are important, but they’re only one part of prevention.
Helpful prevention strategies include frequent handwashing, cleaning high-touch surfaces, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, limiting newborn exposure to large crowds during peak season, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding tobacco smoke exposure, and staying home when sick These habits help reduce transmission of RSV and many other respiratory viruses. [vaccinesafety.edu], [historyofv…ccines.org]
Can RSV Be Treated?
There is no medication routinely used to cure RSV in otherwise healthy children. Treatment is generally supportive and may include; clearing nose with suctioning or nasal saline, frequent offering of fluids, rest, fever-reducing medications when appropriate, monitoring breathing, and using a humidifier. Severe cases may require oxygen therapy or hospitalization. [vaccinesafety.edu], [en.wikipedia.org]
RSV and Older Adults
RSV is often discussed in connection with infants, but it can also cause serious illness in older adults, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and worsening heart or lung disease. Adults age 75 and older, and adults ages 50–74 who are at increased risk should ask their healthcare provider whether RSV vaccination is appropriate. [cdc.gov] Vaccinations for this age group are typically administered at pharmacies.
Vaccination may not prevent every RSV infection, but it can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Older adults can also lower their risk by washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick people, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and staying home when ill. [cdc.gov]
Looking Ahead to RSV Season
Public health experts continue to recommend RSV prevention for eligible infants, pregnant women, and at-risk older adults before community transmission increases in the fall and winter months. Families should talk with their healthcare provider about the timing that makes the most sense for their situation. [cdc.gov], [aafp.org]
Laura Mohling, MD
Dr. Mohling enjoys all aspects of pediatrics and she particularly enjoys the relationships with her patients and their families. Dr. Mohling has special interests in newborn care, lactation support, child behavior and development, asthma and allergy management, sports medicine, and adolescent health issues.
You’re Invited: Lakeview Clinic Waconia Open House
Thursday, September 17 | 4:30 to 7:00 PM Lakeview Clinic Waconia
Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening at the Lakeview Clinic Waconia Open House. Meet our care teams, explore our renovated space, learn about a wide range of services offered close to home, and visit with community partners who help support the health and wellness of our region.
Whether you’re a longtime patient or visiting for the first time, this event offers a great opportunity to learn more about the comprehensive care available at Lakeview and meet medical providers from various specialties and departments, all while enjoying activities, giveaways, and complimentary treats!
Upon arrival, visitors will receive a cinch bag to collect giveaways as they explore our updated space. In addition, a “Passport to Health” can be completed as guests visit with members of our Lakeview teams in each department. Completed passports can then be renewed for a free Mama’s Java smoothie (fruit or coffee), or free Gourmet Popcorn from Three Mad Poppers!
Members of our front office team will also be available to assist guests with Follow My Health enrollment and questions. They also will be happy to share information about LUNA – Lakeview’s new 24/7 online scheduling platform. (currently in soft launch phase)
New Physicians
Four of the five physicians joining Lakeview Clinic this fall will be available during the open house. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Laura Bowman, MD (OB/GYN), Emma Leirdahl, MD (Internal Medicine), Alison Vecellio, MD (Internal Medicine), and Hannah Schull, MD (Internal Medicine). All four of these providers will see patients at our Waconia clinic with additional availability at our other clinic locations. Alex Mangan, MD (Family Medicine) is also joining Lakeview this fall, and will see patients at Lakeview in Chaska.
Community Partners
We’re excited to welcome several community organizations and specialty groups who will be onsite to share information and resources as well. Information about services such as physical therapy, hearing health, public health & more will be available.
Optical Style Show & Sale
Lakeview Clinic Optical will be hosting a style show and sale featuring Europa Eyewear in conjunction with the open house on September 17th. All Europa styles purchased with prescription lenses during the show will receive a 25% discount. All other prescription eyewear will receive a 10% discount. (some exclusions apply) Our experienced opticians are happy to work with current/valid prescriptions from outside eye doctors. (Just bring a copy in with you!)
Celebrating Community-Centered Care The Waconia Open House is designed to showcase the people, programs, and partnerships that make Lakeview a trusted healthcare resource. From primary care and specialties to innovative patient tools and community collaborations, we’re excited to share how we’re working to make healthcare more accessible, connected, and compassionate for everyone we serve.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family for an evening of exploration, connection, and community. See you on September 17!
Choosing a primary care provider is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term health. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, looking to stay healthy through preventive care, or simply want a trusted physician who knows your medical history, a strong relationship with your primary care provider makes all the difference.
For many adults, an internal medicine physician, also known as an internist, is an excellent choice.
What Is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting adults. Internists receive extensive training in caring for adults throughout every stage of life, from young adulthood through their senior years. They are experts in managing both common health concerns and complex medical conditions.
An internist serves as a patient’s primary care provider by helping with:
Annual wellness visits and preventive care
Management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, and obesity
Evaluation of new or unexplained symptoms
Medication management
Coordinating care with specialists when needed
Because many adults develop multiple health conditions over time, internists are especially skilled at seeing the complete picture and creating care plans that address a person’s overall health.
Internal Medicine vs. Family Medicine
Both internal medicine and family medicine physicians provide outstanding primary care, and both emphasize prevention, long-term relationships, and helping patients stay healthy.
The primary difference is the patient population they serve. While family medicine providers care for patients of all ages, internal medicine physicians focus exclusively on adults. Their training provides additional depth in adult diseases, chronic illness management, and caring for patients with more complex medical needs.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between family medicine and internal medicine. The right choice depends on your personal healthcare needs and preferences. Many adults appreciate the specialized expertise that internists bring to adult primary care, particularly as health needs become more complex over time.
Growing to Meet Our Community’s Needs
As the demand for primary care continues to grow throughout our communities, Lakeview Clinic is expanding its Internal Medicine team this fall with the addition of three new physicians. The growth of Lakeview’s Internal Medicine team will help increase appointment availability for adult patients.
Joining our team in fall 2026:
Dr. Emma Leirdahl
Joins Lakeview 9/07/2026
Dr. Leirdahl will provide care at our Chaska and Waconia clinics. She has clinical interests in common skin conditions, geriatrics, and palliative medicine.
Dr. Hannah Schull
Joins Lakeview 9/15/26
Dr. Schull will see patients at our Watertown and Waconia locations. She enjoys incorporating procedural skills into her practice and has a particular interest in dermatologic conditions.
Dr. Alison Vecellio
Joins Lakeview 9/15/26
Dr. Vecellio will practice Internal Medicine at our Chaska and Waconia clinics. She has special interests in preventative medicine, chronic disease management and point of care ultrasound.
Men are becoming increasingly interested in their health and wellness, seeking answers on how to feel their best in all stages of life. They no longer are content to chalk up symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and sexual issues to “just getting older”. They are asking more questions and looking for real solutions. At the center of many of these discussions is testosterone, and for good reason. Testosterone plays a crucial role in a man’s vitality and wellbeing; low testosterone is a real issue for many and can lead to health consequences. Fortunately, low testosterone is very treatable for the right patient.
What is testosterone, and what does it do?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. It is primarily made in the testicles and is produced based on signaling from the brain. Testosterone has effects in many areas of the body, with muscle, brain, genitals, skin, and cardiovascular system all being influenced by it. The production of testosterone begins even before birth and rises sharply during puberty, but by around age 40 it can start to decline by 1 to 2% per year. Aging, underlying health conditions, your environment, and lifestyle factors can all play a role in testosterone levels, and thus the cause of low testosterone can be complex.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
With testosterone affecting so much of the body, it is no wonder the symptoms of low testosterone can be so wide-ranging. I like to think of the symptoms of low testosterone in six different categories:
Fatigue – you simply do not have the energy you used to have
Sexual – Low libido and erectile dysfunction
Mood – Feeling down, depressed, or having low motivation to do things
Cognitive – Feeling brain fog, or problems concentrating
Muscle – a noticeable loss of muscle mass or strength
Overall wellbeing – You simply do not feel like yourself
There is no set number of symptoms a man needs to have, or no “score” for severity of symptoms to qualify as having low testosterone. If you have any mix of the above issues, it may be worth looking at your testosterone.
Testing Testosterone Levels
The first step in being evaluated for low testosterone is to have a conversation with your provider and get levels checked. Low testosterone is diagnosed based on symptoms AND low blood levels, so checking your levels is important. Your provider may recommend doing follow-up bloodwork to confirm as well as check additional related labs that can play a role in how testosterone works.
Regaining Health & Vitality
The first consideration when addressing “Low-T” should always be lifestyle factors. Diet and exercise both play a meaningful role along with specifics like adequate protein, healthy fats, and regular resistance training. Maintaining a healthy body weight is the single most impactful factor. Going further, sleep is crucial because testosterone production peaks during sleep, so poor sleep can significantly lower your levels. Stress management is also key; Cortisol, the main “stress hormone” our body produces, suppresses the production of testosterone. Finally, alcohol can blunt testosterone production, so it is important to keep consumption in check. Working on all of these areas, and being consistent, can add up to big improvements.
For men who are trying to do all the right things, and still aren’t where they want to be, testosterone replacement therapy is a well-established and effective option. It comes in several forms, works well for the right patient, and can make a genuine difference in vitality and overall quality of life. That said, it’s not a decision to take lightly. There are real considerations around risks, dosing, side effects, and ongoing monitoring that make it important to work with a provider who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and considers your health history and individual situation.
Start by Visiting With Your Medical Provider
If you’re curious about your testosterone levels, or you’ve just been feeling off and aren’t sure why, we’d love to help you figure it out. The previously mentioned symptoms can have many possible causes, including low testosterone, and a thorough evaluation can help identify the underlying issue. You and your provider can discuss whether testosterone testing is appropriate and help determine the best path forward. Some Lakeview providers may offer low testosterone treatment, while others may coordinate care with another physician or endocrinologist who specializes in hormone-related conditions.
Dr. Scherschligt enjoys practicing the full spectrum of primary care, with special interest in preventative medicine, cardiovascular disease, diabetes care, and men’s health. He believes that a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management, is the cornerstone of preventing and treating many diseases.
The female body is in a constant state of change that is natural and complex. Hormones play a role in this change, from puberty to pregnancy to “child-bearing years” to perimenopause to menopause. While labels are placed on each of these stages, each change is an individualized journey for the body. For some patients, the journey is smooth, but for many women the path is less so. Each stage can have its challenges…heavy periods, anxiety, weight changes and shifts, hot flashes, fatigue, vaginal dryness, incontinence, to name a few. These concerns and complaints are common and can be incredibly frustrating as well as impact daily quality of life in many patients. There is some good news, however – there are easy, safe, and accessible treatment options that can improve life as well as have added lifelong health benefits.
Menopause
Menopause is the time during which a person naturally stops having menstrual periods as a result from a natural drop in estrogen levels from the ovary as a person ages. The average age of menopause is 51 and marks the end of reproductive years whereas perimenopause typically begins in the 30s or 40s and is characterized commonly by changes in a menstrual cycle.
Hallmark symptoms include the infamous hot flashes during which someone experiences a rush of heat to the upper body and face. These episodes can be debilitating and may occur at any time of day or night (night sweats). Sleep disruptions, whether related to hot flashes or not, are also common during which it may be difficult to fall or stay asleep.
Additionally, a drop in estrogen may also impact the skin of the vulva and vagina leading to dryness and irritation. These skin changes may cause pain at rest or with activity as well as lead to an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Other non-specific gynecologic clinical features include changes in mood including a risk of new-onset depression and exacerbated mood lability. Relatedly, many patients experience perceived cognitive changes such as forgetfulness and trouble with word recall similar to a “brain fog.” Common complaints otherwise include joint aches and pain, breast pain and tenderness, and menstrual migraines.
Perimenopause, Menopause or Other Health Issues?
Unfortunately irregular bleeding and common symptoms of menopause may also represent other problems that need to be evaluated and treated. This is why it is important to seek out recommendations from a healthcare provider. Symptoms and concerns vary for each individual and can change with age. Your primary care physician can help navigate these stages. Your body systems are all interconnected, and it is important to address your body as a whole being, and not just one system at a time.
We recommend a holistic approach to evaluating “all of you” to determine if there is any other contributing factor to your symptoms. For instance, fatigue can be a symptom of so many different things. Are you anemic? Is it your thyroid? Do you have sleep apnea? Are you anxious or depressed? Is your joint inflammation a manifestation of a rheumatologic condition? Is there any evidence of a more concerning development, such as cancer? These symptoms are distressing, frustrating, and influence day-to-day quality of life. It is important to address your concerns as well as think about long-term health benefits and effects.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
The goal of any treatment plan is to restore you to feeling “normal,” but sometimes the treatment process is to determine what your “new normal” is. Hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective tool for many symptoms of the menopausal transition, but it is not the only answer. Many women are concerned about weight gain and a shift of weight “to the middle.” There are no shortcuts to improvement in health.
Cardiovascular exercise can ease stress and improve sleep. Weight training improves not only strength but may also improve confidence in the body and prevent falls. Nutrition gives the body the building blocks to age well. Sleep is essential. Hormone therapy may also not address the whole person. Hot flashes can contribute to sleep disturbance, which may lead to fatigue, depression, and anxiety. While it is important not to dismiss or be disingenuous to menopause, there are also many other causes of these symptoms and may overlap menopausal concerns.
Partnering with Your Healthcare Provider
Working with your healthcare team is the first step in improving day-to-day symptoms and setting one’s health up for long-term success. You are not alone. Your primary care provider and gynecologic specialists are two great resources of evidence-based information and safe reliable treatments to help make this transitional time of life easier and hopefully even more enriched.
What can you expect from your primary care physician? You can expect a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms to include a discussion of your concerns, a physical evaluation to detect any other findings, and appropriate labs to discern the cause of your symptoms. Together, you will put together a plan that is evidence-based and appropriate for your needs.
Whether you choose to see an OB/GYN or your Primary Care Physician, addressing concerns is your first step to improving your health and outcomes. Your medical provider wants to ensure you are getting the best care possible and they are here to listen and work with you to achieve your optimal health.
Dr. Sandra Beulke is a Family Medicine physician who sees patients at Lakeview in Waconia.Dr. Spencer Ferrell is an OB/GYN physician who sees patients at Lakeview in Chaska and Waconia.
