Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines is facing a crisis as the facility has reached full capacity due to a surge in respiratory illnesses among children. The hospital typically sees an increase in cold and flu cases during this time of year, but the current spike is unprecedented.
Many children, including infants and toddlers, are being hospitalized for severe respiratory illnesses such as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). According to data from the CDC, there has been a significant increase in COVID, flu, and RSV cases among children under four compared to last year.
Dr. Waddell, a pediatrician at the hospital, attributes the spike in cases to young children who were in isolation during the pandemic and may not have had the opportunity to build up their immune systems. This has left them more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses now that restrictions have eased.
Parents are being urged to ensure their children are up to date on vaccines and to seek medical attention if their child has a fever or difficulty breathing. The sudden surge in respiratory illnesses has caught many parents off guard, highlighting the importance of taking precautions to keep children safe.
As Blank Children’s Hospital struggles to cope with the influx of sick children, healthcare professionals are emphasizing the importance of hygiene, proper ventilation, and mask-wearing to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. The community is urged to work together to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”