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 NEWS Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants
Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
Residents of northern Alberta First Nation told to shelter in place
Residents of John D'Or Prairie, a community on the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta, were told to take shelter Thursday morning during a police operation.
Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Metro Vancouver mayors call for serial killer Robert Pickton to be denied parole
A dozen mayors from around Metro Vancouver say federal Attorney General and Justice Minister Arif Virani should deny parole for notorious B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, and reassess the parole and sentencing system for 'prolific offenders and mass murderers.'