Canadian doctors urge quick action against rising respiratory illness cases in children
Posted December 8, 2022 3:17 pm.
Last Updated December 8, 2022 3:23 pm.
Canadian doctors are urging the government to act fast against the rise of respiratory illnesses in children.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) released a statement flagging the unprecedented rise in the number of children getting sick with illnesses like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
The group says children are now suffering the most as healthcare workers struggle to keep up.
The CMA adds children are more affected than adults with longer wait times for surgeries, diagnostic imaging, and mental health services.
As health care workers battle the current onslaught of respiratory illnesses affecting children and youth, #CDNhealth systems are not keeping pace with the needs of our population, young or aging.
We urgently need innovation, collaboration and action.https://t.co/UvliqZKTiK
— Canadian Medical Association (@CMA_Docs) December 8, 2022
In a statement Monday, B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said this year’s flu strain, the H3N2, caused more severe illness.
“We’re still early on in this trajectory of influenza. We’re starting to see the impact of a large number of children who haven’t been exposed to influenza for a few years, and a small proportion of them are getting severely ill,” she said.
Teachers have also reported high numbers of illnesses and absenteeism among students.
The long wait times and crowded clinics have some parents trying to access private RSV testing.
Related Articles:
-
Early flu season putting younger children at risk, Dr. Henry says
-
High rate of absenteeism in B.C. schools amid ‘tripledemic’
-
Private RSV testing fee in Vancouver could be a barrier for some
The CMA is calling for the government to address staffing shortages and reform other urgent issues within the healthcare system.
It’s also asking the general public to help by getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines, masking up, and staying home when unwell.
Until then, the group says Canadians will continue to suffer as the healthcare system’s resources are stretched thin.
