The following is a message from the Middlesex London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health
The weather has cooled, we’ve returned indoors, and many of us are preparing for the busy holiday season. Local public health units want nothing more than for your household to enjoy your favourite people, places, and activities over the coming weeks.
This is the peak season for respiratory illness (“colds”, influenza, Covid-19, and RSV). We want to remind you how to protect yourselves and your children from illness - and where to find treatment if you do get quite ill. Remember, infants (particularly if pre-mature) and children under the age of 5 are most vulnerable to serious illness.
How to reduce the chances of kids getting sick:
- Wash hands often
- Stay home when sick - and ask others not to visit if they feel unwell
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wear a well-fitted face mask, especially in busy indoor public spaces
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces
- Improve indoor ventilation when possible
How to care for a sick child at home
Most respiratory illness in children can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications. Pain and fever can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your child can take it. Humidifiers can help stuffy noses and coughs. Offer lots of fluids (water, soup, fruit juice, popsicles) and encourage lots of rest.
How to access virtual care
Health811 allows you to speak to a registered nurse 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The nurse will assess your situation and help you decide if you can care for your child at home, or if you need to visit your health care provider or the emergency department. Try the online chat at https://health811.ontario.ca/ or call 811 (Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-0007).
Visit the Emergency Department or Call 911 if:
- You are worried that your child is seriously ill
- Your infant, younger than three months old, has a fever
- Your child (or anyone in your household) is struggling to breathe or is breathing faster than normal
- You are concerned that your child is at risk of dehydration or is dehydrated
Many of us are parents ourselves and understand both the joyful anticipation of the holiday season as well as the worry when a child gets sick and we have to make a decision about their care. We hope this information is helpful and that you will hold onto it for reference throughout the coming months.
With best wishes for the holiday season and all of 2024!