Crosstown Family Health Team

There is currently an increase in respiratory illnesses, especially in children. To help you decide the best course of action for you and your child(ren) we are including information on what you can do at home, if you need to call our office, or if you should go to the Emergency Department.

Here is a comparison of illnesses and symptoms from Alberta Health.

The flu, COVID, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are the illnesses in which we are observing a spike of cases.  Most people will be able to recuperate at home with no prescription medications.  If you are experiencing symptoms listed above, you should self isolate, drink plenty of fluids, and take over the counter medications as needed, so long as you have no medical reason to avoid them.

If you or your child are at higher risk for medical complications, please call us at 416-242-2850 to make an appointment or if your physician uses online booking you can access it at https://www.crosstownfht.ca/#booking

For non-urgent questions or concerns outside of business hours, patients can access non-urgent health advice from registered nurses 24/7 via telephone (811) or online chat at ontario.ca/HealthConnectOntario.

Here is a resource with many frequently asked questions to help guide you, Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms

We are aware of the shortage in children’s medications, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen.  Some pharmacies have alternate options available, including chewables or suppositories. Please also ask your local pharmacist for additional options, including if they hold any pain or fever medications behind the counter. Prescriptions are not required for these medications. Please see this tip sheet from the Canadian Pharmacists Association for helpful information on pain and fevers in children.

There are capacity issues at many of our city’s hospitals, however, you may need to seek immediate and urgent care. In these cases, you should go to your nearest emergency department, or call 911.

Some examples of reasons to go to the emergency department or call 911 include (but are not limited to):

• Chest pain or racing heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Neck stiffness or severe headache
• Inability to speak or swallow
• Loss or change of vision
• Numbness or weakness of the face or body
• Confusion or memory problems
• Inability to drink fluids
• Fever/severe pain that is not improved with acetaminophen/ibuprofen (i.e. Tylenol/Advil)
• Inability to walk
• New or worsening seizures
• Pregnancy and labour problems

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN

SIck Kids Virtual Urgent Care Clinic

The Sick Kids vaccine consult line is a by-appointment phone line available to parents, children, youth, and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive who are seeking further information about COVID-19 vaccination. For all ages, the COVID-19 Testing Centres and Clinical Assessment Centres have COVID-19 testing for those eligible (see their website to determine your eligibility), and more information on COVID-19.