By Wendy Anders

As of 7:00 pm today the National Children’s Hospital has closed their general emergency services until further notice due to a saturation of services by children with a virulent sinus infection.

Dr. Olga Arguedas told the press that the Children’s Hospital is only accepting children requiring emergency services due to traffic accidents, heart problems or lung disease; premature babies; and newborns under 30 days with respiratory problems.

All other children requiring emergency medical assistance are instructed to seek care at any of the following clinics which will be open round-the-clock this weekend, said Dr. María Eugenia Villalta Bonilla, CCSS Medical Director in a press alert:

• Carlos Durán Clinic in Vasconia, San José
• Jiménez Núñez Clinic in Goicoechea, San José
• Solón Núñez Clinic in Hatillo, San José
• Centro de Atención Integral en Salud (CAIS) in Desamparados, San José San José
• Central Clinic in Aranjuez, San José
• Clorito Picado Clinic in Cinco Esquinas de Tibás, San José

The Children’s Hospital does not have enough mechanic ventilators for the number of children requiring attention at the moment, and is requesting additional machines from other hospitals.

If your child has a cold and exhibits any of the following respiratory distress symptoms, the CCSS has instructed parents to take their child to the nearest hospital:

•Rapid, shallow breathing

•Dilated nostrils when breathing.

•If the ribs can be seen when child inhales or upon exertion.

•Nails and/or lips that are purplish.

As the situation evolves, the CCSS said they will determine whether further national preventive or emergency efforts are required.

Until then, make sure you and your kids wash hands regularly, stay healthy, and do your part to prevent the spread of this nasty cold virus.