More kids with COVID-19 at BC Children's Hospital, but most are there for other reasons, doctor says
While the number of young patients at BC Children's Hospital with COVID-19 has increased slightly, an infectious disease expert stressed that the majority of them were admitted for different reasons.
As of Thursday, there are 11 kids at the hospital with COVID-19. Dr. Laura Sauve, who is a pediatric infectious disease specialist, said about three-quarters happen to have the virus, while the rest are there to be treated because of the virus.
The increase in patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 is linked to higher levels of transmission in the community, Sauve said, and not a reason to panic.
"We have a small number of children hospitalized because of COVID, and that's been no different than we've seen over the last month," Sauve added.
Earlier this week, BC Children's Hospital took to social media to address what it called "misinformation" about a sudden spike in cases involving kids.
"We are not currently seeing a dramatic change in hospitalization rates in children due to COVID-19," the hospital said on Twitter.
The distinction Sauve made is one the provincial health officer said is being looked at in the government's reporting. B.C. currently reports how many people are being treated due to the virus, as well as those who happen to test positive while hospitalized for other reasons.
Dr. Bonnie Henry told reporters last week that the number may not capture the true impact of the Omicron variant, which resulted in record-breaking hospitalization numbers Thursday.
"We're in the process right now of trying to tease through what's the best measure for us to understand the impact of Omicron on the severity of illness and on hospitalizations," Henry said.
Sauve said the biggest impact she's seen on kids is the impact on their mental health, noting that isolation from friends and family can be devastating.
To boost their protection, she recommended parents get their children vaccinated, even if the rate of hospitalization is low.
"It's another layer of protection the will decrease the already small chance of having severe disease," Sauve told CTV News.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Michael Cohen takes the stand as testimony in Trump hush money case enters 4th week
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Irving Oil former president dies at age 93
Arthur L. Irving, chairman emeritus and former president of Irving Oil, has died at the age of 93.