RSV Hospitalizations Decreasing in Estrie

Hospitalizations attributable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are decreasing in Estrie. For the past year, newborns have had access to an antibody injection, which has prevented an estimated 1,000 hospitalizations in Quebec.

In Estrie, 108 children aged 0 to 2 were hospitalized last year to treat RSV, 72 fewer than in winter 2022-2023.

This is believed to have resulted in a reduction of around 1,000 hospitalizations in Quebec among babies under 6 months old.

RSV is typically a mild infection in adults, but it can be severe for toddlers experiencing it for the first time.

“The baby who has no prior immunity has a greater chance of the virus going down to the lungs,” explains Dr. Jesse Papenburg, pediatrician and microbiologist-infectious disease specialist. “It can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia. This is where babies may need intravenous oxygen or hydration, or sometimes breathing support.”