In Canada, winter has come early and with it came increased hospitalization of children with RSV and the flu. We put on masks not just to protect ourselves from others, but to protect the most vulnerable. Now that children are the main target of RSV, will people respond to wearing masks again to protect the children? (Adults can get it too, but rarely are the symptoms worse than a cold) A few years ago, I would have said yes. Now it remains an unknown.
In Canada, Quebec pediatric hospitals overrun, doctors label situation as 'historic crisis: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-pediatric-hospitals-overrun-with-children-suffering-from-respiratory-illnesses-1.6654013
In Alberta, “We’re full,” Dr. Carina Majaesic, medical director of the Stollery Children’s Hospital, said Tuesday. “But we also make extra space when we are full.” Making space means less care for this not in emergency conditions. https://globalnews.ca/news/9280721/respiratory-illnesses-stollery-childrens-hospital-rsv-covid/
In Ontario, "three children were resuscitated in the emergency department on Monday and four on Sunday, CHEO's president Alex Munter posted on social media Tuesday morning." https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/childrens-health-crisis-7-kids-resuscitated-at-cheo-ford-and-caucus-called-out-for-not-wearing-masks
In the USA, Pediatric emergency rooms nationwide are battling surges in respiratory syncytial virus. [RSV]
"This year’s surge has hit infants under age two especially hard. Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, multiple medical professionals say, has been forced to adapt to record case numbers, opening up additional beds and recruiting voluntary staff." https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2022/11/17/we-are-at-capacity-rsv-surges-nationwide-hitting-yale-new-haven-childrens-hospital-at-record-volumes/
Is either country prepared for a tripledemic? Hell no! The loud and proud fake patriots have proven that being the squeaky wheel who honks incessantly wins the day... and now, it is the children who are the most vulnerable who will suffer the consequences. California reports its first RSV and flu death in a child under 5 on Nov 15 https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/11/15/california-flu-rsv-child-death/
See chart below for more info about the differences between illnesses.
If your child has any of these symptoms, you will want to discuss with your pediatrician whether testing is recommended; for example, if you have any high-risk family members at home. Regardless of whether or not you think this is COVID-19, if your child is having difficulty breathing, is unresponsive, or is unable to eat or drink, seek immediate medical care. Read more here: https://www.chla.org/blog/covid-19/covid-vs-flu-vs-common-cold-vs-rsv-what-you-need-know
"Regardless of whether or not you think this is Covid-19" - Does this imply that people who refuse to accept that covid is real would keep their child at home instead of getting them to the hospital ASAP? That's horrifying!