"UNC Children's Faces Capacity Strain Due to Respiratory Illnesses"

UNC Children's Hospital in Chapel Hill is operating at full capacity due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, with children experiencing difficulty breathing and requiring additional support or supplemental oxygen. The hospital's pediatric emergency room has been overwhelmed, with patients waiting hours for beds, leading to delays in elective procedures. While some patients are admitted with COVID, most pediatric cases are currently caused by the flu, RSV, and rhinovirus. The hospital is urging parents to keep their child's vaccinations up to date and to keep sick children home from school to help mitigate the spread of illnesses.