Manitoba seeing more RSV bronchiolitis cases in young children
A doctor caring for some of the youngest and most fragile children is warning parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) bronchiolitis, saying the illness is circulating in the community.
Neonatologist Dr. Aaron Chiu said in a news release Tuesday that in recent weeks HSC Children’s has seen 19 confirmed cases of RSV bronchiolitis, an infection of the small airways in the lungs.
“Parents should know these types of respiratory infections can be serious and may require hospitalization and even intensive care,” Dr. Chiu said. “Babies younger than 12 months are more vulnerable to contracting RSV bronchiolitis, as are premature infants and infants with underlying heart or lung disorders.”
Dr. Chiu, who is also the director of the Manitoba RSV Prophylaxis Program, said RSV is more common in the fall and winter months. He said even with the high rates of COVID-19, it is important parents seek care for children experiencing difficulty breathing.
“Anytime a child is having a hard time breathing, for example, you see the skin on their chest sucking in between the ribs, below the ribs, or at the bottom of the neck — it’s important to seek medical attention,” he said. “Our health-care facilities are taking every precaution to keep patients safe from COVID-19 and your doctor’s clinic or nearest emergency (department) are the right places for anyone experiencing severe respiratory symptoms to seek care.”
Signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for include:
- Difficulty breathing;
- Frequent choking on cough;
- Rapid breathing;
- Wheezing with breathing (whistle sound);
- Fatigue (child may seem very tired and not playful);
- With younger children and infants, not feeding well and fewer than three wet diapers in a day; and
- Any change in skin colour.
The Shared Health news release also said other common respiratory viruses amongst children seeking care have been confirmed, but did not elaborate on which viruses.
As viruses travel through coughs and sneezes, good hygiene and common sense are the best ways to protect yourself from infection, said Chiu.
“COVID has actually helped demonstrate how we can successfully prevent infection from respiratory viruses in general,” he said. “If a vaccine is available, get vaccinated, whether that is against the flu or COVID-19. Avoid taking children to crowded public areas where physical distancing is not possible, and wash your hands frequently and properly.”
If parents have questions about RSV, Shared Health said they should speak to their primary care provider.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion, 1 person seriously injured: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Quebec to limit sperm donations per donor after 3 men from same family father hundreds of children
Quebec is looking at tightening the regulations around sperm donation in the province following the release of a documentary that revealed three men from the same family fathered hundreds of children.
How to overcome 'savings guilt' when you're living paycheque to paycheque
As the higher cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, many Canadians find they have even less left over at the end of every month to squirrel away for the future.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.