Sainte-Justine and Montreal Children's hospitals have been flooded with patients, most with respiratory illnesses. Sainte-Justine and Montreal Children's hospitals have been flooded with patients, most with respiratory illnesses. (Elias Abboud/CBC)

Montreal’s two pediatric hospitals are asking parents to avoid the emergency room if their child is sick with the flu over the holidays.

Sainte Justine and The Montreal Children's say they’re overwhelmed with patients, most suffering from respiratory illness.

Signs a child should go to emergency:

  • Skin colour is paler than usual.
  • Less saliva the mouth.
  • No tears produced when the child cries.
  • Less frequent urination
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Changes in child's breathing.
  • Signs of listlessness, lethargy or irritability.
  • Change in child's responses to noise and/or visual stimulation

(source: The Montreal Children's Hospital)

The emergency room at The Montreal Children’s Hospital is staffed to treat 180 patients a day. Lately, they’ve had upwards of 280 patients a day coming through the doors.

Dr. Harley Eisman, director of pediatric emergency services at the hospital, said the usual upswing that comes with the start of flu season came early this year.

Most cases of coughs and fever don’t need emergency care, he said.

“I think the public should be reassured that these usually are benign viral illnesses,” he said.

“Generally speaking, these are illnesses that are well cared for at home with a bit of chicken soup and apple juice-type remedy, good hydration and common sense from the caregiver.”

The Montreal Children's has a full guide on its website to help parents decide when a trip to the emergency room is required.

Parents can also call Info Santé at 811 for advice.

Montreal’s public health agency will release a list of clinics open over the holidays next week.