Pediatric hospitals in Canada saw a surge in respiratory illness hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for investment and public health measures

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, Canadian pediatric hospitals saw a significant increase in respiratory illness hospitalizations. Hospitalizations for seasonal flu among children four and under spiked by 7,306%, reaching 2,444 cases. The top causes of hospitalizations were lower respiratory infections, pneumonia, asthma, COVID-19, acute upper respiratory infections, and seasonal influenza. Hospitalizations for pneumonia nearly tripled for those 17 and under, reaching 9,871 cases. The report emphasizes the need to invest in the pediatric health system and adopt public health measures.