Variety of kids admitted to Guelph hospital with respiratory issues 7 occasions increased than in 2021

By Antonio D. Vela On Dec 23, 2022

The number of children with respiratory issues having to go to Guelph General Hospital is several times higher than it was a year ago.

Growing rates of a trio of respiratory diseases has caused the number of children hospitalized in Guelph to drastically multiply.

According to a report headed to the Nov. 22 meeting of Guelph General Hospital’s board of directors, the number of children admitted to hospital for respiratory reasons grew 600 per cent between April and September 2022, compared to the same time last year.

The number of emergency room visits for children with respiratory problems also more than doubled over the same period.

“During the past month we are seeing more patients with a respiratory illness such as COVID, influenza and children with RSV. RSV may present as a common cold for adults; however, for some children it can present with a severe respiratory illness,” the report states.

“Hospital occupancy remains over 100 per cent with several patients in emergency department requiring admission.”

Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, told the Mercury Tribune earlier this month residents should be returning to masking indoors so as to help prevent the spread of those respiratory diseases, thus helping alleviate the pressures being faced by Guelph General Hospital and others across Ontario.

“Ontario is seeing a surge of respiratory diseases — COVID, flu and RSV. Don’t wait for a mask order to wear a mask. Now is the time to protect yourself and others. I’m encouraging everyone to wear a mask when they are in indoor settings and among larger groups,” Mercer said.

“Wearing a mask now will decrease your chances of becoming sick and protect our most vulnerable — including our children and seniors.”