When to take your child to the ED and when to stay home

The holidays are a busy time for families, but they’re also busy for the doctors, nurses and other staff working in the Emergency Department (ED) here at SickKids. The ED at SickKids sees more than 300 patients on some days between Christmas and New Year’s Day due to reduced family physician office hours and an increase in viral illnesses such as influenza. Higher volumes lead to longer wait times for families seeking emergency care. Though parents understandably want immediate attention for their little one, many illnesses—such as ear aches, flu, colds and low-grade fever—can wait to be seen by a family physician or walk-in clinic.

Dr. Stephen Porter has more tips on when to take your child to the ED and when to stay home. Read more in the Toronto Star.