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Pneumonia Hospitalizations Surge 33%
19 Feb
Summary
- Pneumonia hospitalizations increased by nearly one-third recently.
- Children aged five to 17 saw hospitalizations more than double.
- A severe flu season is a major contributor to the pneumonia rise.
Hospitalizations for pneumonia in Canada saw a significant increase of nearly one-third during the most recent respiratory illness season, according to data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). This rise exceeded pre-pandemic levels across all age demographics.
Children and youth aged five to 17 experienced a particularly sharp increase, with pneumonia hospitalizations more than doubling compared to the previous period. This surge is linked to a severe flu season, which can lead to complications such as viral and bacterial pneumonia. An unusual spike in "walking pneumonia" cases, even with generally milder symptoms, also contributed to higher hospitalization numbers.
Experts suggest that circulating bacterial strains to which immunity may have waned during the pandemic could also be a factor. Routine childhood vaccinations, including those for common severe pneumonia-causing bacteria, are recommended to protect children.
