By Times Chronicle Staff

BC Children’s Hospital is offering guidance to families as the current respiratory season is seeing a “steady rise” in the number of children visiting the emergency department (ED) with respiratory symptoms. 

From October to December 2024, respiratory illnesses accounted for 30 to 50 per cent of total ED visits. So far this year, respiratory symptoms have accounted for 44 per cent of total visits (January 1-13, 2025).

BC Children’s clinicians are advising families of the different care options available to them depending on the urgency of their child’s health concern. 

Emergency care: Children with a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing, require immediate medical attention. Families are urged to call 9-1-1 for ambulance services or visit their nearest emergency department or urgent and primary care centre. The hospital advises parents to prepare and if it’s safe to take the time to pack, bring snacks and drinks, toys and books, and other items to support and soothe your infant or child while waiting, as well as items like a phone charger.   

Non-emergency care: Concerns may be managed by a family doctor, walk-in clinic or an urgent and primary care centre. HealthLink BC provides non-emergency health information and advice on how to manage their symptoms, and when and where to seek care any time of the day or night by phone at 8-1-1.

Additional supports: BC Children’s Hospital has a dedicated webpage, developed in consultation with emergency medicine doctors offering guidance on the top urgent issues that require care from your nearest ED, and those that can be managed in other clinical settings.

 Respiratory viruses – including colds and flu – are common among children in daycare or school. To help prevent illness it’s important to: 

  • Get vaccinated. Vaccination offers the best protection against serious viral illness 
    • Ensure your infant/child six months and above receives their routine immunizations, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. 
    • Visit ImmunizeBC for BC’s vaccination schedule. 
  • Encourage children to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating, and urge them to try not to touch their face; 
  • Remind children to cough and sneeze into their elbow or a tissue, if available;  
  • Stay at home from school, work and outings if you or your child feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, cough, nausea, or diarrhea; 
  • Ensure you know where to access care; if you have a non-urgent concern and don’t know where to seek care, call 8-1-1 for free healthcare guidance.