Winnipeg’s Children’s Hospital is seeing a surge in the number of patients with respiratory illnesses, and one doctor says they’re bracing for cases to keep growing in the coming weeks.

Dr. Karen Gripp, a pediatric emergency physician and director of the hospital’s emergency room, said they have treated around 160 patients every day over the last few weeks, up from an average of around 120 patients in early December.

However, prevention is still the “single thing that can make the biggest difference” in helping with rising numbers, Gripp said, including getting flu shots, washing your hands carefully and staying home when you’re sick.