The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC) has expanded its virtual and in-person clinical support for kids with respiratory illness. This includes same-day appointments for physician assessments to determine best options.
VTAC says the healthcare system is under the “triple threat” of COVID-19, flu, and RSV, making it challenging for parents to access timely care for their kids.
Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon, Medical Lead at VTAC, says in most cases, parents can manage children’s symptoms at home safely, but adds there are scenarios when parents need medical advice or care for their kids. Fitzsimon says they’ve partnered with CHEO and the local emergency departments to provide those services.
Karen Simpson, the Executive Director, Arnprior and District Family Health Team, says VTAC has expanded its services during this difficult respiratory illness season to support a burdened healthcare system and to help ensure parents and kids have the care they need.
Dr. Christopher Zadow, Physician Lead, Arnprior and District Family Health Team, says parents are in a difficult position with a high prevalence of respiratory viruses, longer wait times for care, and shortages of over-the-counter cold and flu medicines often used for caring for sick kids at home. Zadow says our community will benefit from VTAC’s much-needed additional medical support during this tough respiratory illness season.
Parents are encouraged to call their family physicians or primary healthcare provider first and if they don’t have one or they can’t be reached can call Renfrew County VTAC at 1-844-727-6404 for medical support.
VTAC has provided a few examples of when a child needs a physician assessment:
- Has a fever lasting 72 hours or longer.
- Has a fever that went away for a day or longer (without fever medication) and then came back.
- Is unusually irritable and won’t stop fussing, even after treating their fever.
- Has an earache lasting more than 48 hours.
- Is not eating or drinking. Note that it’s normal to eat and drink less when sick. Liquids are more important than food.
- Has special needs that make caring for them more difficult.
Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency department if your child has the following signs or symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Becoming very pale or blue around the lips
- Drowsy or not responding to your voice
- A fit or convulsion
- Becoming unwell quite quickly
- An accident or injury such as a burn, broken bone, or cut that may need stitches
- A rash that does not fade when pressed
Other non-urgent care options include Health Connect Ontario or the West Ottawa Clinical Assessment Centre.
Tips for caring for your sick child at home (provided by Ontario College of Family Physicians)
Red eyes and discharge: These symptoms almost always go away on their own, without antibiotic drops or other medication. Warm compresses and artificial tears can help reduce discomfort.
Stuffy and runny nose: Try saline rinsing sprays, a humidifier, or a nasal aspirator.
Earache: If you notice your child tugging on their ear, they may have an earache. Get assessed if your child’s earache lasts more than 48-72 hours, if there is discharge from the ear, or if they have had more than 2-3 ear infections in the last year.
Cough: Treat a cough with a humidifier or steam from a shower. If the cough sounds like a bark, cool outside air may help. If your child is at least one year old, you can give them 1-2 teaspoons of honey in the evening.
Fluids: Ensure your child gets enough fluids, including water, soups, fruit juice, or even popsicles. Breastmilk/formula is enough for young babies who do not drink other fluids.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)