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Montreal’s two major pediatric hospitals are urging parents to avoid bringing children to their emergency departments unless care is urgently needed, as both facilities face high patient volumes due to seasonal viruses and respiratory infections.
This comes as Quebec’s public health director Dr. Caroline Quach is warning of a particularly virulent strain of influenza A, known as H3N2, that is spreading “a little bit like wildfire.”
Speaking on Radio-Canada’s Tout un matin, Quach said flu season began much earlier than usual this year, with the number of cases increasing abruptly and expected to peak during end-of-year festivities and gatherings.
“The reason we’re a little bit more worried is that the virus has mutated and therefore managed to escape both vaccination and antibodies that we may have produced in the past,” she said, explaining why it’s so contagious.
In Ontario, the flu is being blamed for the deaths of three children between the ages of five and nine, prompting concern among parents.
“Every year there can be deaths associated with the flu, and it’s always worrisome when it involves young children who have no risk factors,” Quach said. She added, however, that she didn’t know the specifics surrounding the deaths in Ontario.
In Quebec, Quach confirmed that children are being particularly hard hit.
“We currently see that 50 per cent of children with symptoms who are tested are positive for the flu, so that’s quite a high positivity rate of 50 per cent,” she said.
That’s compared to a positivity rate of 26 per cent as of last week in the general population.
WATCH | Children’s hospital ERs feeling the strain:
Uptick in child flu cases putting pressure on Quebec pediatric hospitals
Flu season hit the province early and it’s expected to peak around the holidays. Both the CHU Sainte-Justine and the Montreal Children’s hospitals are asking parents to avoid the emergency room if their children don’t require urgent care.Children’s hospitals over capacity
At the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH), minor infections accounted for more than 40 per cent of visits last week, while stretcher occupancy reached 130 per cent, according to a joint news release with the CHU Sainte-Justine.
At CHU Sainte-Justine, minor cases also made up roughly 40 per cent of visits, with an average occupancy of 147 per cent.
“Emergency services should be reserved for children whose condition requires immediate care,” said Dr. Harley Eisman, MCH medical director, in the news release.
Parents are encouraged to use alternatives such as the 811 Info-Santé line or local walk-in clinics.
Both hospitals stress that all children needing medical attention will be seen. Critically ill or injured patients are prioritized, so waits for less urgent cases may be long. Parents should bring essentials such as formula, diapers and medication, the news release says.
Quach reiterated the importance of getting an annual flu shot, saying it was available to everyone in Quebec.
“It’s not a complete cure-all, but it does reduce the risk of complications,” she said.
WATCH | What you need to know about Quebec’s flu season:
Severe flu season started early in Quebec. Here’s what you need to know
Quebec’s public health data shows flu cases began rising weeks earlier compared to last year. Experts say the strain has mutations — making it prone to a higher level transmission.
Quach also reminded Quebecers about practising good hygiene to prevent the spread of infections, including handwashing, coughing in your elbow, wearing a mask in public and avoiding close contact with people who are vulnerable.
“When you’re sick, particularly when you have a fever, stay home,” she said, adding people should use their judgment in assessing risk levels.
People shouldn’t be taking medicine and pushing through just so they can attend a party, she warned.
“If you’re feeling sick and you’re thinking you’d be better off in bed, then stay in bed.”
Meanwhile, regional health authorities in the Quebec City region are urging those with mild symptoms to avoid going to the ER.
Instead, the hospital centre, known as CHU de Québec-Université Laval, says it is better to seek a consult with other primary care resources such as testing centres, where vaccinations and prescriptions can also be obtained.