Childhood Illness, Prevention and Support

Bats are considered one of the most commonly reported animals to have rabies. It is important to remember that not all bats have rabies, although, like all wildlife, it is important to admire them from a safe distance. Bats and Rabies in Canada How...

Even the most trustworthy pets may react instinctively by biting or scratching in certain circumstances. Use these prevention strategies to protect yourself and your family: Spay or neuter your dogs and cats. This may reduce aggression. Keep your dog...

The Prince Edward Island Immunization Program provides safe and effective vaccines that protect Islanders against some communicable diseases known as vaccine preventable diseases. Over the past 50 years the use of vaccines has prevented life...

Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that infect the nose and throat. These bacteria release a poison that may cause breathing problems due to the throat closing over as a result of a grayish membrane developing. In addition, heart failure and paralysis...

Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that infect the nose and throat. These bacteria release a poison that may cause breathing problems due to the throat closing over as a result of a grayish membrane developing. In addition, heart failure and paralysis...

If your child has been diagnosed with a proven growth hormone deficiency, or with Turner syndrome, he or she may be eligible for coverage of approved growth hormone supplements through the Growth Hormone Drug Program. Is my child eligible? Your child...

Frequently Asked Questions for Insulin Pump Users [PDF | 198 KB] includes helpful advice on when to seek assistance from: your pump company your diabetes educator your nearest emergency department Sick Day Management on an Insulin Pump provides...

Measles is one of the most highly infectious vaccine-preventable diseases. It has been eliminated from circulation in Canada since 1998 due to highly effective vaccines and successful public health programs. Measles is spread when you: breathe air in...

What are measles, mumps and rubella, and what are the complications of these diseases? These three diseases are caused by viruses. Measles, mumps and rubella are spread by contact with nose and throat secretions such as by coughing and sneezing...

What are Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella and what are the complications of these diseases? These four diseases are caused by viruses. Measles, mumps and rubella are spread by contact with nose and throat secretions such as by coughing and...

What is meningococcal disease and what are the complications of this disease? Invasive meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis). There are many different groups or types of this bacteria that can...

Preschool occupational therapy is offered to children from infancy until entry into kindergarten. Occupational therapy services are often initiated by a referral from a health care professional. However, anyone may make a referral, including parents...

The School Therapy Occupational Therapy (OT) program, offers a school-based OT service to children from kindergarten to grade 12. It works together with students, school staff and parents/guardians at many different levels to support students with...

If your child goes to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) because of lazy eye (amblyopia) or another condition related to eye movement or eye misalignment (strabismus), the ophthalmologist will likely refer your child to an orthoptist. Most patients...

If you or your child has been diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU), you may be eligible for coverage of approved nutritional supplement costs through the Phenylketonuria Supplement Program. Am I eligible? You or your child are eligible for the...

If your family doctor, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner has referred your preschool child for physiotherapy, treatment may be offered in a clinical setting, at home, in a child care centre or at school. Preschool physiotherapy is offered to...

What is pneumococcal disease and what are the complications of this disease? Invasive pneumococcal disease is caused by a common bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause several illnesses including mening itis, pneumonia, bacteremia...

Having a newborn admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be an overwhelming experience. At the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, NICU staff use a health care approach called Merge™ to keep parents closer to their babies. While your newborn is...

As part of the QEH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s approach to family-integrated care, the Peer Family Mentorship Program is designed to provide NICU families with connection to mentors with lived experience who offer valuable emotional support to new...

What is rabies? Rabies is an illness caused by the rabies virus. It affects the central nervous system of infected mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, it is almost always fatal. Rabies in Canada Fact Sheet - Rabies How is rabies spread...

What is Rotavirus illness and what are the complications of this disease? Rotavirus is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness (diarrhea and vomiting) in children. Rotavirus is caused by a virus that is present in the bowel and it is spread by...

This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) diseases. This vaccine is used as a booster dose to those vaccines received prior to age seven years and it will boost immunity against these diseases. It may also be...

What is Varicella and what are the complications of this disease? Varicella is a common and highly infectious disease which causes an irritating blister-like rash. The rash or fluid filled lesions break out in stages on all areas of the body...