readies for a fourth coronavirus wave, already, its e.r. is seeing a spike in kids suffering mild symptoms. their parents seeking testing, bogging down triage for the seriously ill. >> we're seeing a lot of patients present with mild respiratory symptoms, cough, convention, fever. known covid exposures, et cetera, and i think a lot of them are seeking testing. >> reporter: like previous waves, the sickest kids, those needing hospitalization, are having a tough time breathing. >> they're getting lot of respiratory symptoms, as we've been expecting. pneu pneumonias, needing respiratory support to help them breathe better. >> reporter: viral spread expected to intensify in the weeks ahead. and even if the omicron variant isn't as severe, the problem is -- >> even if the percent, percent hospitalization rate is lower,