It is important your child is well for two weeks before surgery. A fever, cold, cough, runny nose or sore throat can make it harder for your child to breathe during or after the surgery and may make recovery longer. It is important to follow the recommendations of your health-care team to ensure the health and safety of your child.
Some children may get sick before surgery, even when following the recommendations. This does not mean your child’s surgery will be cancelled; however, it may need to be rescheduled. Each hospital may have a different approach to manage illness before surgery. Please follow the recommendations of your child’s health-care team.
Things to consider before surgery:
Does your child have any of the health issues listed below?
- recent asthma flare
- fever, cold, cough, runny nose or sore throat
- recent viral infection including COVID-19, flu, pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- exposure to tuberculosis (TB) or chickenpox
Any recent illness before surgery can impact your child’s recovery. If your child is sick in the two weeks leading up to their surgery, please contact your child’s health-care team.
If your child is sick on the day of surgery, contact the health-care team. You may be advised to go to the hospital as scheduled.
Please ensure that the parent/caregiver accompanying your child is in good health. If they are unwell, kindly have an alternative caregiver accompany your child.