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In recent weeks, BC Children's Hospital has recorded a steady rise the number of children visiting the emergency department (ED), with many experiencing respiratory symptoms. From October to December 2024, respiratory illnesses accounted for 30 to 50 percent of total ED visits. So far this year, respiratory symptoms have accounted for 44 per cent of total visits (January 1-13, 2025).

As we continue into the winter months, 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.  
• Ensure you arrive at the ED prepared, if it is safe to take the time to pack: Bring snacks and drinks, toys and books, and other items to support and soothe their infant or child while they wait, as well as items like a phone charger.   
• Non-urgent concerns: may be managed by a family doctor, walk-in clinic or an urgent and primary care centre, if available in your community.  
• BC pharmacies: BC pharmacists can provide direct care for select minor ailments including pink eye (conjunctivitis), upset stomach, sprains and strains and allergies.  
• HealthLink BC: provides reliable, non-emergency health information and advice any time of the day or night by phone at 8-1-1.  
• British Columbians can call for advice on how to manage their symptoms, and when and where to seek care. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can contact HealthLinkBC using Video Relay Services (VRS), or Teletypewriter (TTY) by dialing 7-1-1.   
• Additional supports: BC Children's Hospital has a dedicated webpage, developed in consultation with emergency medicine doctors. It offers guidance on the top urgent issues that require care from your nearest ED, and those that can be managed in other clinical settings. 
  
  "If your child has an emergency health concern, our team is prepared to provide the best care possible," says Dr. Garth Meckler, Pediatric Physician, Emergency Medicine, BC Children's Hospital. "When emergency departments are busy, care providers must focus their attention on children with the most urgent issues first, including those with life-threatening conditions. This can result in a longer wait for children with less urgent concerns. Less urgent concerns may be managed by a family doctor, walk-in clinic or an urgent and primary care centre."
  
  As part of BC Children's preparations for the anticipated increase during this period, we have robust measures in place to support patient flow such as monitoring volumes and trends to proactively respond to fluctuating patient visits, expanding our base level of inpatient beds and increased staffing in the ED as available, and collaborating with other Health Authorities for repatriations when needed. Optional masks are available at public entrances and hospital information desks, whilst all staff, care providers and visitors must wear a medical mask in patient care areas where patients are receiving care. Hospital leadership is carefully monitoring patient needs to minimize the wait time for patients and families.
  
  Respiratory viruses – including colds and flus – 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 diarrhoea; 
• 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.
  

"We know it is stressful to visit the hospital with an unwell infant or child," says Christy Hay, Executive Director, Clinical Operations, BC Children's Hospital. "But families with sick children can be assured we are dedicated to delivering the best possible care. We kindly ask all families to be patient and respectful to our staff who are doing their utmost to care for and support all patients and their families."