Important updates on RSV bronchiolitis, rabies infection management

In response to recent high-quality evidence, pediatricians at Alberta Children’s Hospital are now advising most families with children hospitalized with bronchiolitis to schedule a follow-up visit only as needed:

• If their child’s symptoms are not improving
• If they have any other concerns

Due to this change, your practice may receive fewer requests for hospital follow-up appointments for these patients.

Children with compelling reasons for immediate follow-up (i.e., medical complexity, comorbid asthma) should still receive a follow-up appointment shortly after discharge.

Rabies: AHS’s Safe Healthy Environment team updated the Rabies Prevention & Control Manual in January to reflect current rabies risk assessment guidance in Alberta.

Updated processes and resources:

• The manual
• New interactive animal exposure notification form
• Patient care sheet for animal exposure wound follow-up
• Rabies animal exposure and referrals algorithm
• FAQ for rabies risk assessment