Doctors in Montreal emergency rooms are reminding parents not to take their sick children to the ER unless it's actually an emergency.

The head of the Montreal Children’s hospital describes the situation at his ER as “rock 'n’ roll,” as more parents have been bringing their children in with colds, flus or simple bugs that will pass naturally in a couple days.

On a normal day, the Montreal Children’s Hospital ER will see 240 patients. Lately, they’re seeing an extra 120.

Dr. Harley Eisman said that creates extra pressure for front-line staff – and creates a longer line-up for everyone to get treatment.

“A lot of parents and caregivers come to us because of fear of fever. Individuals need to understand that fever is the body’s normal mechanism of responding to a virus,” he said.

“We’re like to assure everybody that these are cured by themselves and they’re not dangerous.”

Eisman said if the fever persists for five to seven days, and if the child is feeling lethargic and not drinking, then they should be taken to hospital.