Health officials in Nova Scotia are holding a press conference on respiratory illnesses as the IWK Health Center in Halifax grapples with an increase in cases among young children.
Dr. Robert Strang, medical director of health, and Dr. Andrew Lynk, IWK president and chief of pediatrics, will answer questions during a press conference at 1 p.m.
In its weekly respiratory watch updates, Nova Scotia Public Health reports an increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at this time of year compared to previous years.
The IWK’s pediatric intensive care unit operated at 100-160% capacity between November 4 and 15.
Earlier this month, Lynk told CBC News that the children’s hospital is experiencing an increase in children being admitted for respiratory problems other than COVID-19, with 140 to 150 children visiting the emergency room each. A typical busy day would see 100-120 visitors to the ER.
On November 6, the IWK reported a record number of visitors, 200, to its emergency department.
RSV infects the lungs and airways. It can cause serious infection in some people, including children under the age of two and older adults with pre-existing conditions.
For most people, RSV causes cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, and fever.