'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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Leafs star Auston Matthews finishes season with 69 goals
Auston Matthews won't be joining the NHL's 70-goal club this season.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'
Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error
Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.