Both physicians recommend parents refer to the Self-Care Guide distributed by the Qu?©bec Government. However, they want to point out a small error in the guide. The guide says that parents should consult a doctor as soon as possible if their child aged two or younger has a fever. This is not accurate. Parents need only consult a doctor urgently if their newborn (three months and younger) has a fever of more than 38.3 degrees C (100.9 degrees F). For all other children, a doctor should only be consulted if the child has a fever and other complications associated with the flu as described in the guide.

They also recommend you take your child or teenager to the emergency department if your child has:

- Difficulty breathing (for example: breathing faster than normal; and look paler than usual or have whitish or bluish lips; are coughing excessively, choking or breathing irregularly). - An injury where it is suspected that a bone may be broken or stitches required. - Vomiting following an injury. - A fever over 38 degrees C or 100.4 degrees F and are under three months of age. - A fever and is difficult to wake up or is very sleepy. - A rash that does not turn white when you push on it. - Diarrhea, vomiting and have no tears, a very dry mouth, and have not urinated at least two to three times over the last 24 hours.

Both doctors ask families to visit their pediatrician or family doctor, unless they are dealing with a true emergency, as described above. If there is no community physician, or the physician is unavailable, families should go to their local CLSC or walk in clinic. You should be using the health care services available in your neighbourhood.

Source: THE MONTREAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Source: MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE

Source: THE MONTREAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Source: FLU VIRUS UPDATE