The Montreal Children’s Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre is currently seeing a significant increase in patients in their Emergency Departments. Children are arriving with mild flu-like symptoms and fever. The hospitals wish to remind parents that their Emergency Rooms are reserved for urgent care. Mild flu-like symptoms should be treated at home. Also, due to the increased demand for care, the hospitals are NOT testing children to determine if they have H1N1.

Health care experts suggest people with mild flu symptoms rest and recover at home in bed. The self-assessment guide published by Sante et des service sociaux Quebec can help you understand whether you should seek medical attention for flu.

The MUHC has received an initial supply of H1N1 vaccine to cover MUHC healthcare workers and high-risk inpatients. We are expecting more doses in the coming days. Mass vaccination clinics are being established at local CSSS as per government guidelines (www.pandemiequebec.gouv.qc.ca); they are well set-up to handle high volumes in the quickest manner. In order to help us protect our patients and the community at large and ensure the best use of our health care resources, please do not visit the Emergency Departments of the MUHC to be vaccinated for H1N1.

Please bookmark this website and return for future updates and information on the H1N1 situation in both here in Montreal and beyond.