Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital says flu cases are up 300% from last year

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital said it’s seeing a big increase in respiratory illnesses.

According to the hospital, cases of some illnesses, like the flu, have jumped by more than 300% from this time last year. One pediatric emergency medicine physician said there’s not one clear reason for the spike.

“Kids being a little bit more social, drop in immunization rates — I think there are multiple things contributing to the contagion this year,” said Dr. Ebony Hunter.

One of Hunter’s recent patients in the emergency department was 2-year-old Jace Paner. His mother, Karina Paner, said the symptoms that brought him to the hospital started a few days before and included sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.

“He started having breathing issues last night and this morning. So, we went over to the pediatrician’s office, and then he wasn’t responding to Albuterol treatment,” she said. “They sent us over here.”

Hunter said she’s seeing more and more cases like Jace’s in the emergency room.

“Jace is here for viral URI symptoms, and his oxygen got low,” Hunter explained as she examined Jace.

“It’s always distressing when the child is in distress, and it’s that time of year,” said Karina.

According to the hospital, cases of the flu are up 322% from this same time last year, and RSV cases have jumped by 114%. Other respiratory illnesses have increased by 244%.

“I will say our admission rates are through the roof right now,” said Hunter. “We’re doing a lot of holds in the ER, and the hospital is full to capacity. We are trying our best to service the community during this time.”

Hunter said the severity of individual cases depends on the illness and the age of the child. Younger children have a higher risk of being hospitalized because with smaller airways, congestion can make it harder to breathe. Jace and his mom were waiting on a X-ray and test results early Friday evening.

“We’re still kind of waiting on answers, but he’s doing a little bit better since we left the pediatrician’s office. So, hopefully we’re on the mend soon,” said Karina.

To stay healthy, Hunter recommends both kids and adults wash their hands and wear a mask. She also said anyone who’s immunocompromised or not vaccinated should stay away from others who are sick. She also noted that it’s not too late to get vaccinated for the flu and RSV.