Blank Children’s Hospital Des Moines Experiencing Bed Shortages Amidst Surge in Child Respiratory Illness

Des Moines Hospital Battling Overcapacity Due to Child Respiratory Illnesses

Des Moines, Iowa – Blank Children’s Hospital is currently facing a critical situation as the number of child patients with respiratory issues continues to rise, causing an alarming shortage of beds, as reported by a credible source.

High Hospitalization Rates

Hospital staff members have been working tirelessly, clocking in overtime, to cater to an overwhelming influx of patients specifically diagnosed with the flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and other respiratory ailments.

Alarming Data Comparison

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s data illustrates a significant spike in COVID, flu, and RSV cases among children under four years old when compared to the previous year.

Pandemic Impact on Children’s Immune System

Doctor Joel Waddell, a specialist in children’s healthcare, hypothesizes that the restriction of exposure during COVID-19 quarantine may have negatively affected the children’s immune system, contributing to the severity of the current outbreak.

“We are witnessing an unusually high number of three to six-year-olds being admitted with commonly encountered viruses that would typically not require hospitalization,” Dr. Waddell stated during a recent interview.

Deviation from Typical Season

Traditionally, the number of cases declines in the spring as the colder months pass, along with the flu season. However, Dr. Waddell explains that an increase in similar illnesses is being observed even outside the expected “sickness season,” likely linked to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Preventive Measures and Recommendations

Dr. Waddell advises parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are up to date with necessary vaccinations and, in the case of illness, to keep infected children at home. This measure will help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and safeguard those most vulnerable.