As respiratory illness season intensifies across British Columbia, Fraser Health is urging parents to plan ahead and understand the range of care options available for sick children—a move the health authority says can ease pressure on emergency departments while reducing stress for families.
In a statement issued this week, Fraser Health highlighted the predictable annual surge in respiratory infections and the uncertainty many parents feel when symptoms appear in their children. The authority says the goal this season is to help families “skip the guesswork” by knowing when at-home care is appropriate and when to seek professional support.
“We know that it can be very concerning when your child becomes unwell, but you can usually manage your sick child at home by offering them lots of fluids to keep them hydrated,” says Dr. Michael Smith, program medical director, Child and Youth. “Most healthy, vaccinated children’s symptoms will improve within a week of becoming ill. If their illness is causing you concern, there are several care options available to support them in getting well.”
According to Fraser Health, common respiratory symptoms—including cough, congestion, runny nose or mild fever—often cause discomfort but rarely constitute an emergency. The authority notes that rest, hydration, and keeping children at home are typically sufficient to support recovery.
However, officials emphasize that parents should trust their instincts. When a child appears to need medical attention, Fraser Health recommends starting with primary care. Families who have a family doctor or nurse practitioner are advised to call their clinic first, as many offices reserve same-day or urgent appointments for acute concerns.
For those unable to reach a primary provider, several alternatives are available. Fraser Health Virtual Care offers nurse support by phone at 1-800-314-0999, while HealthLink BC’s 8-1-1 line provides 24-hour advice from health professionals, with translation available in more than 130 languages. Urgent and Primary Care Centres across the region can address conditions requiring attention within 12 to 24 hours, and community pharmacists can suggest treatment approaches for minor illnesses such as runny noses or mild colds.
The authority also outlines clear circumstances that warrant calling 9-1-1 or going directly to an emergency department. These include respiratory distress—such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing—fevers lasting five days or longer, and extreme fatigue or sleepiness even when a fever is controlled.
Fraser Health says it is still early in the respiratory season but stresses that preventive action remains one of the most effective tools for families. Vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 is strongly encouraged, both to protect children and to maintain emergency department capacity for the most urgent cases.
By taking what the authority describes as “simple steps,” families can reduce the likelihood of severe illness and avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Alongside vaccination, Fraser Health recommends reinforcing hygiene habits such as regular handwashing and preparing for winter conditions that may affect overall health and safety.
The health authority has launched an information hub, Winter Set Go, where families can find guidance on navigating winter illnesses, accessing care, and managing safety in cold and wet weather. More details are available at fraserhealth.ca/WinterSetGo.
Fraser Health, which operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations, serves a rapidly growing population across the Fraser Salish region. Its network includes more than 50,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers who provide hospital and community-based services to families throughout the region.