Caring for kids with Respiratory Viruses

As respiratory viruses, including RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19 and influenza are on the rise across the province, a telephone townhall for parents and caregivers was held November 22nd. The town hall, featuring Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin and Dr. Elisabete Doyle, head of Pediatric Medicine at Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, fielded questions about respiratory viruses and offered advice for kids care (prevention, managing symptoms at home, and when/where to seek care).

The medical experts provided other key messages including avoiding unneccesary trips to the hospital — except for emergency situations, what constitutes going to Emergency Departments if experiencing respiratory virus symptoms and options regarding medication —especially children’s medication given a shortage across the province and country during the last few weeks.

Other important messages referenced included people remaining at home when sick, staying up to date with vaccinations and wearing masks in public spaces.

Listen to the November 22 Telephone Townhall for parents and caregivers.

Advice during supply shortages of child medicine products.

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