The number of children showing up at the Janeway Hospital ER has nearly tripled in recent days due to a surge in respiratory illness.

Things have gotten so busy that some non-urgent surgeries and appointments have been cancelled for the time being.

Pediatric emergency physician Dr. Carolyn Cashin says the increase in cases is similar to that seen in other areas of the country. She says the surge was not unexpected and staff were prepared, but the numbers are dramatic.

She says winter is their busy season, but this year is worse than previous years. Before the season started they saw an average of 55 patients in the Janeway ER per day; that number has jumped to about 160 per day.

Dr. Cashin says they’re seeing a variety of respiratory illnesses including influenza, COVID, adenovirus, RSV, and the usual viruses they see this time of year.

Because this is the very beginning of the season, she doesn’t expect things to improve for another few months.

She says the only treatment for a virus is letting the patient ride it out comfortably. That means plenty of fluids, Tylenol or something for fever, and rest. She advises both parents and their children to be up-to-date on their COVID and flu vaccines to prevent infection.