The children and youth clinic at Haukeland is full – 25 children with RS virus admitted

A total of 25 children with RS virus have been admitted to the children and adolescent clinic at Haukeland Hospital. 

“Now the children and youth clinic is full. A total of 25 children have been admitted with RS virus, and five are awaiting test results. It is very hectic here,” clinic director Ansgar Berg told the newspaper Bergens Tidende.

The clinic director told the newspaper VG that three patients are receiving breathing assistance, and all are less than one month old.

Other departments helping out

The clinic is receiving help from other departments at the hospital to handle the increase of children with respiratory problems.

“The situation presents us with staffing challenges. We have brought in staff from all over the ‘house,’ including employees in research projects and employees on leave. We’re also postponing appointments at outpatient clinics,” Berg said.

The newspaper writes that 74 children have been admitted with the RS virus to various hospitals in the country.

Low threshold for calling a doctor

The RS virus causes respiratory infections in both children and adults, according to the FHI. Some people can get a more serious infection. In the youngest children, especially those under one year of age, the virus can lead to bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract that can lead to difficulty breathing and the need for hospitalization.

Chief physician Margrethe Greve-Isdahl at the National Institute of Public Health (FHI) says that the situation is unusual. 

“The symptoms do not have to be accompanied by fever. In general, the younger the child, the lower the threshold for contacting a doctor. Many different viruses can cause similar symptoms, so the most important thing is to contact a doctor when you are worried,” she told VG.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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