Respiratory viruses spark wave of sick kids at Alberta Children’s Hospital
Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary is facing a significant surge in sick children with respiratory viruses, pushing the hospital over capacity. The main culprit behind this wave of illness is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), according to health officials. Dr. Sidd Thakore, a pediatrician at the hospital, described the situation as “crazy” and “busy,” with the hospital operating well beyond its normal capacity.
Infants under six months of age, premature babies, and children under five with underlying health conditions like heart problems and asthma are at the highest risk for severe illness from these viral infections. The emergency room, inpatient units, and intensive care unit are all full, indicating the severity of cases being seen.
Alberta Health Services has responded to the increased demand by adding 20 overcapacity beds and 17 surge beds at Alberta Children’s Hospital, bringing the total bed count to 178. The Peter Lougheed Centre has also increased its bed capacity to accommodate more sick children.
In addition to RSV, there has been a spike in cases of influenza A and other respiratory pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes “walking pneumonia.” Dr. Cora Constantinescu, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist, emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting children from these illnesses.
Provincial data shows that hundreds of children and teens have been hospitalized due to RSV, COVID-19, and influenza this season. Staff at the children’s hospital are working extra shifts to manage the influx of patients, and parents are advised to seek medical attention if their child shows signs of respiratory distress.
Symptoms to watch for in infants include flaring nostrils, chest retractions while breathing, difficulty feeding, and decreased urine output. Parents can also consult the AHS website for guidance on when to seek medical care for their child’s illness. It is crucial to be vigilant and proactive in seeking medical help for children with respiratory illnesses during this challenging time.
