RSV driving IWK hospitalizations for younger kids, doctor says – CBC
Chief of pediatrics Dr. Andrew Lynk says cases aren’t as extreme as last year, shares prevention tips
Dec 17, 2023
The IWK Health Centre’s chief of pediatrics is sharing tips to prevent the spread of RSV as high cases are currently driving hospitalizations among younger children.
“This year it’s mostly RSV with a little bit of flu starting now. COVID continues at a low baseline, but not affecting children as much in terms of hospitalizations. It’s RSV that’s causing the hospitalizations,” Dr. Andrew Lynk said.
RSV — respiratory syncytial virus — is a common respiratory illness that usually causes mild illness and cold-like symptoms, but that it can be more severe for infants and older adults.
Nova Scotia’s latest Respiratory Watch report listed 90 lab-confirmed new cases of RSV for week 49 (Dec. 3-9), with 54 being in children four and under.
With the holidays fast approaching, Lynk said it’s important to stay home if sick — especially if there were plans to visit people who are vulnerable (seniors, those with chronic health conditions and babies). He said it’s also important to keep babies six months and under “away from the snotty-nosed cousins.”
