Alberta child hospitalized while battling 3 viruses simultaneously

Just a few weeks ago, 15-month-old Ainsley looked like any other healthy toddler. Now she’s fighting for her life in the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Ainsley’s parents shared photos of their daughter with CityNews. The disturbing images from ICU were taken after she was diagnosed with Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, and RSV, a common respiratory infection found in children before the age of two.

15-month-old Ainsley, who is battling 3 viruses. (Photo Courtesy: Ainsley’s Parents, Jayson Bergmann and Ami Pineault)

“She got worse quite quickly. She went from being on oxygen, to being on a ventilator, to be on what’s called an oscillator,” explained Ainsley’s Parents, Jayson Bergmann and Ami Pineault.

Ainsley was transferred from Calgary to Edmonton because she required a heart and lung bypass machine to circulate oxygenated blood to the heart.

“Having all three viruses, it’s hard to say exactly because we don’t see that commonly. In fact, to be honest with you, I’ve never seen this particular combination of three viruses in one patient,” explained Dr. Sam Wong, a pediatric doctor.

“The younger you are, the more likely you’ll have serious side effects and require hospitalization and oxygen. So, kids who are under a year of age, we always worry.”

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15-month-old Ainsley, who is battling 3 viruses. (Photo Courtesy: Ainsley’s Parents, Jayson Bergmann and Ami Pineault)

15-month-old Ainsley, who is battling 3 viruses. (Photo Courtesy: Ainsley’s Parents, Jayson Bergmann and Ami Pineault)

Ainsley’s mom and dad are not alone in wondering why their toddler got so sick so fast. Children’s hospitals across Canada have seen a surge of patients recently, and Ainsley’s parents are grateful for the help they have received so far.

“They are doing their best at monitoring the machines she is on, making sure they are all running smoothly.”

With the added costs of needing to go to a hospital out of town, the family is needing to fundraise to get through the holidays in this time of need.

“You know all those people there are trying to help little people. You can drive by it 100 times and be sorry for the people there. But you never think that you’re going to be one of those people there.”