Increasing RSV cases prompts changes in visitor restrictions, longer wait times at Dayton Children’s
Dayton Children’s Hospital is seeing exceptionally high numbers of children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) or other respiratory viruses in emergency departments, according to a spokesperson from Dayton Children’s Hospital.
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Dayton Children’s is advising parents to be prepared for longer wait times and new visitor restrictions at the hospital amid the increase in cases, the spokesperson said in a media release issued Wednesday.
Children younger than 12-years-old will no longer be able to visit inpatients, the spokesperson said.
“This is a standard procedure during periods of high transmission of respiratory illnesses, and happens every year during the fall/winter months,” the spokesperson said.
On Monday, Dayton Children’s main campus saw more than 300 patients, a nearly 50% increase from this time last year, the spokesperson said. This large number of kids needing treatment, means a longer wait time to be seen.
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“We ask that families be patient and kind as our staff work to ensure each child has the care they need,” the spokesperson said in the release.
Everyone seeking treatment at the emergency department will be seen, the spokesperson said. At an Urgent care or Kids Express locations, they may stop accepting patients when they have reached their capacity.
To help families avoid unnecessary wait times, Dayton Children’s is reminding parents of the right type of care for different situations, the spokesperson said.
Your child’s pediatrician can help direct you to the best care for your kid’s condition, the spokesperson said. If your child is sick, try calling their pediatrician first.
If you do not feel like your child’s situation is an emergency, there are alternative locations to allow for quicker care, the spokesperson said. You can find a list of their locations here.
A video visit with Kids Express could be beneficial if your child’s symptoms are mild or moderate, according to the spokesperson.
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Division chief of Dayton Children’s Kids Express and urgent care, Lisa Ziemnik, MD, stated how parents should determine if they need to take their child to the hospital.
“With all of the respiratory illnesses going around some of the things a parent can do to provide comfort care is to give Motrin or Tylenol for fever or discomfort. For any child that has a persistent high fever after Tylenol, is breathing fast for a long period of time, or is struggling to breathe they should be seen by a medical provider,” Ziemnik said. “Above all look at the behavior of your child. If they are playful, active, and eating and drinking well, even on Tylenol, then they are doing okay. If they are not acting like themselves or their behavior has you concerned, bring them in to be seen.”
