Health
Surge in RSV adds to pediatric hospital pressures. Here’s what to do
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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.
Warning signs for parents to watch
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.
For those a bit older, the society says symptoms that warrant a doctor’s attention include having a fever for more than 72 hours, vomiting or loss of appetite, or coughing to the point of choking or throwing up.
To prevent illnesses and to help out busy children’s hospitals, Kurji reinforced familiar advice:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wear a mask if you’re inside, especially in a crowded place.
- Stay home if you’re sick to prevent spreading to others.
- Keep up to date on COVID vaccinations and get an annual flu shot.
Dr. Antonio D’Angelo, head of the pediatric emergency department at Montreal’s CHU Sainte-Justine, says it’s key to maintain hydration and comfort. For babies, it’s especially important to clear out the nose because they rely on a liquid diet and have to breathe while drinking and swallowing.
“If they’re completely congested, what happens is they’ll take a lung full of air from their mouth and while they’re breathing they can choke,” he said.
He suggests clearing a baby’s nose with saline so they’re able to drink properly. The drops can provoke a cough, which can help clear secretions.
Doctors also recommend a “snot sucker” for kids under six months who are very congested. If clearing the nose and expelling secretions doesn’t help, consult your primary care provider.
For babies at very high risk of severe infection, a monthly injection of a monoclonal antibody called palivizumab can be given during RSV season to help cut the risk of hospitalization.
Health
CFIA continues surveillance for HPAI in cattle, while sticking with original name for disease – RealAgriculture
The Canada Food Inspection Agency will continue to refer to highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle as HPAI in cattle, and not refer to it as bovine influenza A virus (BIAV), as suggested by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners earlier this month.
Dr. Martin Appelt, senior director for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in the interview below, says at this time Canada will stick with “HPAI in cattle” when referencing the disease that’s been confirmed in dairy cattle in multiple states in the U.S.
The CFIA’s naming policy is consistent with the agency’s U.S. counterparts’, as the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has also said it will continue referring to it as HPAI or H5N1.
Appelt explains how the CFIA is learning from the U.S. experience to-date, and how it is working with veterinarians across Canada to stay vigilant for signs of the disease in dairy and beef cattle.
As of April 19, there has not been a confirmed case of HPAI in cattle in Canada. Appelt says it’s too soon to say if an eventual positive case will significantly restrict animal movement, as is the case with positive poultry cases.
This is a major concern for the cattle industry, as beef cattle especially move north and south across the U.S. border by the thousands. Appelt says that CFIA will address an infection in each species differently in conjunction with how the disease is spread and the threat to neighbouring farms or livestock.
Currently, provincial dairy organizations have advised producers to postpone any non-essential tours of dairy barns, as a precaution, in addition to other biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of cattle contracting HPAI.
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Health
Toronto reports 2 more measles cases. Use our tool to check the spread in Canada – Toronto Star
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Canada has seen a concerning rise in measles cases in the first months of 2024.
By the third week of March, the country had already recorded more than three times the number of cases as all of last year. Canada had just 12 cases of measles in 2023, up from three in 2022.
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Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on: Apr 18, 2024
April is Cancer Awareness Month
As we recognize Cancer Awareness Month, we stand together to raise awareness, support those affected, advocate for prevention, early detection, and continued research towards a cure. Cancer is the leading cause of death for Métis women and the second leading cause of death for Métis men. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation Within Alberta is working hard to ensure that available supports for Métis Citizens battling cancer are culturally appropriate, comprehensive, and accessible by Métis Albertans at all stages of their cancer journey.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis, whether for yourself or a loved one, can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for support. In June, our government will be launching the Cancer Supports and Navigation Program which will further support Métis Albertans and their families experiencing cancer by connecting them to OMG-specific cancer resources, external resources, and providing navigation support through the health care system. This program will also include Métis-specific peer support groups for those affected by cancer.
With funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) we have also developed the Métis Cancer Care Course to ensure that Métis Albertans have access to culturally safe and appropriate cancer services. This course is available to cancer care professionals across the country and provides an overview of who Métis people are, our culture, our approaches to health and wellbeing, our experiences with cancer care, and our cancer journey.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and ensure equitable access to culturally safe and appropriate care for all Métis Albertans. Please click on the links below to learn more about the supports available for Métis Albertans, including our Compassionate Care: Cancer Transportation program.
I wish you all good health and happiness!
Bobbi Paul-Alook
Secretary of Health & Seniors
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