'Highest surge I've seen since H1N1 in 2009:' RSV cases in children rapidly rising
A surge in respiratory viruses in children is putting strain on an already burdened system, as hospitals in York Region and Simcoe County report a rapid rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
"It's probably the highest surge I've seen since H1N1 in 2009 of the influenza outbreak," said Dr. Sarah Barker, Soldiers' Memorial Hospital pediatrician.
Currently, Orillia's Soldiers' Memorial Hospital capacity is running up to 150 per cent, adding to a load many hospitals are already struggling to bare.
"At times, we've actually had to put kids on our obstetrical ward because we only have so much physical space," said Barker.
"We're collaborating daily with RVH pediatrics service so children in our region, which ranges from Parry Sound to Midland to Collingwood to Huntsville, can get a bed when they need it. Both of us have been working at most of the time greater than 100 per cent capacity."
The situation is overwhelming with the triple threat of RSV, COVID-19 and the flu.
In response, Southlake Regional Health Centre has increased its staffing and bed capacity.
"Our numbers are up both in admissions for viruses in general and RSV specifically," said Dr. Charmaine Van Schaik, pediatrician and Chief of Staff at Southlake Regional Health Centre.
With people no longer masking and public health measures lifted, doctors say children are exposed to many viruses.
"We are seeing it with greater intensity this time not just in the numbers but in the degree of unwellness of the children," said Van Schaik.
RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, cough and fever, but can be severe for younger children and those with pre-existing conditions.
"In little babies, especially premature ones, they can get much sicker if infected by this virus," said Dr. Vincent Ho, neonatologist and pediatrician at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie.
"Maybe your child doesn't have high-risk factors but could easily come in contact with one who does, so it's important we keep that in mind as we move forward," Ho added.
While most kids with RSV won't need hospital care, doctors say there are signs parents can watch for, like difficulty breathing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.