Information for Parents and Caregivers: Respiratory Illnesses

According to the Ontario College of Family Physicians, “Most respiratory illness in children, including colds, influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19 can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications. However, in some cases, it is important to seek medical care.”

Refer to Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms.

Health811 connects you to health advice anytime. You can call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Seek medical attention if any of the following apply to your child:

• Under 3 months of age with a fever or is having trouble breathing
• Fever that lasts more than 7 days
• Bluish skin colour
• Not drinking enough fluid
• Not waking up
• Fever with a rash
• Constant vomiting or diarrhea
• Has a weak immune system and has a fever

Masking can help reduce the spread of respiratory illness.

Once your child is well enough to return to activities, they should do the following for 10 days:

• Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including school and childcare). Children aged 2 to 5 should only wear a mask if they are being supervised, if they can safely tolerate masking, and if they can put on and take off the mask themselves)
• Avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, playing a wind instrument in music class or removing your mask for sports or dining out)
• Avoid visiting anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors)
• Avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from infectious diseases.

Ontario provides publicly funded vaccines for children to protect against influenza and COVID-19. Learn more about helping your child get their flu shot and/or COVID-19 vaccination.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory illness, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults. It affects the lungs and airways. The infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can cause serious lung infections that may require hospitalization.

Learn more about RSV including the signs and symptoms, treatment, and how to protect yourself and others.

When respiratory viruses are circulating (typically from November to April), consider wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask in crowded indoor settings with poor ventilation. Wearing a mask indoors is especially recommended for those who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Children aged 2 to 5 should only wear a mask if they are being supervised, if they can safely tolerate masking, and if they can put on and take off the mask themselves.

Learn more about the layers of protection for reducing the spread of illness, including handwashing, and respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes).