For Immediate Release
December 20, 2022
Burlington, ON – As Burlington and surrounding communities continue to see a surge in respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it’s important for families to know their health care options so they can get the care they or their family members need.
There are important steps that parents can take if their child is experiencing symptoms such as fever, runny nose, cough, headaches and chills, said Dr. Laura Waltman, Chief of Paediatrics at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH).
“Many of these symptoms can be managed at home with supportive care and over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil,” she said. “It’s normal for a child’s appetite to decrease when they’re ill. What’s important is that they are drinking well and staying hydrated.”
If accessing these medications is a challenge, parents can call Health Connect Ontario (811) and speak to a healthcare professional, or seek the advice of a pharmacist, said Dr. Sunita Goel, a Burlington family physician and co-lead of the Burlington Community Physician Council (BCPC) to the Burlington Ontario Health Team.
“If there is no improvement in symptoms after 48-72 hours, or symptoms worsen – including earaches and loss of appetite – it’s best to check with your health professional. Also, anyone with underlying health conditions should seek treatment.”
If severe symptoms develop – such as breathing with difficulty, unable to drink or breast feed, having difficulty waking up – call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.
But prevention is key, said Dr. Joe Cherian, Chief of Emergency Medicine at JBH.
“We encourage everyone to take steps to avoid getting and spreading infections, such as staying up-to-date with their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, washing their hands often and wearing a mask when out in crowded, public indoor spaces,” he said.
For more information and resources, please go to the Joseph Brant Hospital website.
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About Joseph Brant Hospital
Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is a full-service community teaching hospital located in the growing and thriving community of Burlington, Ontario, serving more than 185,000 residents in Halton, Hamilton, Waterdown, Flamborough, Milton and Stoney Creek. It is honoured to be recognized as one of Hamilton Niagara’s Top Employers for eight consecutive years, with a skilled staff of 194 physicians, 1,911 full- and part-time staff and more than 700 volunteers.
JBH is a Clinical Education site in conjunction with McMaster University, and designated as an Academic Community Teaching Hospital. Its expanded campus includes the state-of-art Michael Lee-Chin & Family Patient Tower, featuring a new Emergency Department, 172 acute inpatient beds, 9 new Operating Rooms and post-anaesthetic care unit to support expanded medical, surgical and outpatient services. JBH is also a partner member of the Burlington Ontario Health Team.
JBH inspires and empowers a culture of caring and this is demonstrated in many ways including our committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our people. For more information, visit www.josephbranthospital.ca.
About the Burlington Ontario Health Team
The Burlington Ontario Health Team (BOHT) is a collaboration of health and social service providers who work together to provide integrated services and supports to meet the healthcare needs of residents in Burlington and surrounding communities. A total of 36 local healthcare organizations support the BOHT as members and collaborators.
As one of the first Ontario Health Teams that the Government of Ontario announced in 2019, the BOHT’s goal is to improve access to care, support prevention of chronic illnesses, and ensure clients have seamless transitions among healthcare and social service providers. At the centre of this new model of care is the patient-primary care provider, the most enduring relationship established within the health care system.
For more information visit www.burlingtonoht.ca
Burlington, ON 
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