Winnipeg Children's Hospital Faces Surge in Pediatric Respiratory Cases

Hospital staff report a 25% increase in daily cases since early December, with further growth expected in coming weeks.

The hospital is treating an average of over 160 children daily for respiratory illnesses, up from 120 cases in early December.
RSV and influenza are driving the surge, with infants under 12 months being the most severely affected group.
Staffing has been increased, including adding an extra physician shift, to manage the rising patient load effectively.
Health officials emphasize prevention measures like flu vaccinations, handwashing, and keeping sick children at home to reduce transmission.
The hospital's contingency plans, including expanded ICU capacity, are helping manage the influx, but staff stress remains a concern.