Surge in RSV adds to pediatric hospital pressures. Here's what to do

Pediatricians have suggestions for parents and caregivers coping with coughing and sneezing children as some children's hospitals in Canada report a surge in respiratory infections.

Symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) resemble those of colds and flu, such as coughing, runny nose, fever and loss of appetite.

In its most recent update for the week ending Oct. 15, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported a rise in RSV cases in many parts of the country, based on limited testing.

Dr. Kashif Pirzada, an emergency department physician in Toronto, says he's seeing a large number of sick children, mostly from viruses.

One of Pirzada's own children was recovering at home last week after feeling miserable and lethargic.

"We've been through four colds in the last six weeks," he said. "I'm sending my child back to school … with a mask welded to his face because we can't keep getting sick like this."

Much of the burden is from RSV, which Pirzada says hits children under 12 months especially hard. If so, they may need to go on oxygen at a hospital.

Dr. Ayisha Kurji, a pediatrician at a Saskatoon hospital, is also seeing lots of kids with viral illness in the emergency department and some end up being admitted. Children's hospitals in other provinces and states have reported a similar trend. 

Kurji says as temperatures drop and we spend more time inside, germs tend to spread and more kids get infected.

"Really it's about symptoms," Kurji said. If a child is breathing really quickly, or is tired out from breathing, that's cause for concern. 

"If they are stopping breathing or turning blue, of course that's an emergency."

Sometimes when young children work hard to breathe, it hinders their ability to eat and dehydration can also be a concern, Kurji said. 

"They're crying and there's no tears coming out there, their mouths are really dry and their colour is different, they're really sleepy, they're really irritable, then it's time to come into the hospital."

Babies younger than three months with a fever should always be taken to the ER, the Canadian Paediatric Society advises, or if they are unable to suck or drink.