RVH anticipates influx of young patients with respiratory illnesses this fall
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) staff in Barrie are preparing for a possible influx of young patients as the weather cools, and they aren't just concerned about COVID-19.
RVH NICU and pediatrics manager Natalie Sherrit says the hospital is increasing capacity by 25 per cent because of concerns around seasonal respiratory illnesses.
"We are predicting an increase in RSV season, which is a respiratory illness, influenza, bronchitis and COVID because these kids haven't really been exposed to any viruses or illnesses in the last 18 months," Sherrit explains.
And while the latest COVID-19 modelling for the province paints a cautiously optimistic picture, doctors say it's too early to know the impact of schools reopening.
Ontario's overall case numbers have flatlined, but cases among children five to 11 are climbing.
"It's just a reminder to us that it's important to stay safe and masked even when you're around your friends, neighbours, and at school," notes Dr. Leah Bartlett, pediatrics chief and medical director in Barrie.
Last week, Pfizer announced positive results from a trial among children five to 11; however, the company has yet to submit to Health Canada for approval.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.