Montreal's children's hospitals: tips for parents considering heading to the ER

Montreal's two children's hospitals have been jammed with patients recently andare urging anyone with mild flu symptomsto stay home.

Both the Montreal Children's andSainte-Justinereport major increases in the number of patients visiting the ERover the past few weeks.

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"Since about two weeks ago, we've seen aninflux of patients and we were certainly busy last weekend," saidDr. HarleyEisman, director of pediatric emergency atthe Montreal Children's.

Eismanoffered up some tips for parentsthinking about heading to the ER.

Fever not generally dangerous

Fever in itself is not dangerous, so the point is, they probably don't have to come to the emergency department. Most of what we're seeing are benign seasonal viruses, colds, runny noses, maybe some with the flu as well. These are usually well-treated at home with a fever reducer andfluids to ensure the child is hydrated.

Younger than 3 months

If your child is lessthan three months of age, or if the fever is beyond 5-7 days, that is probably the time to seek medical advice.

Community first

If you think your child is lethargic, ill-looking, then you should seek medical advice. If you're going to seek medical advice, think first about a resource in the community.

Handwashing

Handwashing is a great preventative measure, when kids are coughing cough into the crux of your elbow, and hand washing, hand washing and more handwashing.

Call 811

Officials at both hospitals added that parents concerned about their child who is suffering from a cold or flushould first callInfo-Santat 811, consult their family doctor or talk to a pharmacist about managing symptoms.