RSV not just a kids problem, doctors warn as infections surge in Canada

As cases of RSV surge among children in Canada, doctors say an increasing number of older adults are also ending up in hospital with the contagious respiratory virus.

As rising cases of RSV among children fill pediatric hospitals across Canada, doctors say an increasing number of older adults are contracting the contagious respiratory virus as well and falling sick.

In recent weeks, Canada has seen an uptick in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections – a common seasonal virus – as well as influenza and COVID-19 cases.

The spread of RSV “remains above expected levels” for this time of the year, according to Health Canada’s latest report, that detected a 7.7 per cent national positivity rate and 1,661 cases for the week ending Nov. 12.

While RSV is very contagious among kids under five years of age and can cause serious infection in babies, it’s not a disease that is exclusive to young children, said Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious disease specialist and medical microbiologist at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC).

Anyone can contract RSV, and adults above the age of 65 years and those with underlying diseases are also at an increased risk of getting severely affected, he told Global News.

While children’s hospitals are currently feeling the strain of RSV and flu cases, there is concern about the negative impact of “onward transmission” to the elderly.

“We’re quite worried about this tripledemic in older adults as well – influenza, COVID-19, but also RSV,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, director of geriatrics at Sinai Health and University Health Network hospitals in Toronto.

“And right now, we are quite concerned of what this will mean for our hospitals caring for adult patients as well,” he added.