Sick kid and not sure what to do? Let us help you take the guesswork out of your options

The following article is brought to you by Fraser Health.

Respiratory illness season is here, but you don’t have to feel uncertain about where to turn if you have a sick child. This winter, skip the guesswork: learn about the care options available for your child so they can get better sooner. Knowing your choices can save time and reduce stress.

“We know that it can be very concerning when your child becomes unwell, but you can usually manage your sick child at home by offering them lots of fluids to keep them hydrated,” says Dr. Michael Smith, program medical director, Child and Youth. “Most healthy, vaccinated children’s symptoms will improve within a week of becoming ill. If their illness is causing you concern, there are several care options available to support them in getting well.”

Symptoms like a cough, congestion, runny nose or mild fever can make kids uncomfortable but are most often not emergencies. Comfort measures like encouraging them to rest, ensuring they stay hydrated and keeping them at home will help them recover.

If your parent intuition is telling you your child needs to be seen by a health care provider, it’s good to know your options:

• If you have one, call your family doctor or nurse practitioner first. They may have spots for urgent appointments available for your child.
• Call Fraser Health Virtual Care at 1-800-314-0999 and speak to a registered nurse about your child’s health concerns.
• You can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to get free health information and advice. HealthLink BC has many knowledgeable health care professionals available to answer your questions. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
• Visit an Urgent and Primary Care Centre if your child needs urgent care within 12 to 24 hours.
• Talk to a pharmacist if your child has a runny nose or minor cold, as they can help you determine appropriate treatment options for your child.

Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Department if your child:

• Is experiencing respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or fast breathing.
• Has a fever for five days or more.
• Is very sleepy and fatigued even when the fever is under control.

It’s still early in the respiratory illness season, but it’s a good time to act and protect your children from respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. By proactively getting immunized against flu and COVID-19, you not only keep your child safe, but can help us keep our Emergency Departments available to support people who need care for urgent or emergent health concerns.

Winter wellness starts here. By taking simple steps now, you can get a head start on winter health and safety. From getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, practicing healthy habits such as washing your hands, knowing the best care option or learning how to stay safe in cold and wet weather, we have you covered. Learn more at fraserhealth.ca/WinterSetGo.