HURON-PERTH – A group of local health and social service partners is asking residents to “work together” to help local hospitals reduce emergency department visits during the cold and flu season.
“Viruses and other illnesses are running rampant this winter and our health care system is
seeing a large influx of emergency department visits that may be unnecessary,” said Dr. Kim
Gilmour, Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team’s (HPA-OHT) primary care clinical lead. “Most respiratory illness including colds, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications.”
HPA-OHT says residents should call their family doctor to discuss symptoms to determine if a visit to the emergency department is warranted.
Residents can also access virtual urgent care, the costs of which are fully covered with an Ontario health card. Appointments can be booked online at urgentcareontario.ca.
Another option is to book an appointment at a COVID, cold and flu care clinic. These clinics are for patients with moderate or worsening respiratory symptoms, or patients directed by their health-care provider to visit for care. They also offer testing and treatment without going to a hospital. HPA-OHT says this is a great option for those who are unable to see their family doctor. Appointments can be booked in Goderich at 519-612-2320, Grand Bend at 519-238-2362 ext. 1 or in Stratford at 519-272-8210 ext. 2747.
Health Connect Ontario also offers an online symptom checker and the option to chat with a live nurse. These resources can be found at healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.
The above actions for navigating respiratory illnesses do not replace your other touch points with your health-care provider. In a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Additional resources to help patients, families and caregivers navigate colds, RSV, flu and COVID-19 can be found online at hpaoht.ca/pfc-resources.
“Together we can slow the spread of respiratory illnesses in Huron Perth and area, while removing pressure from the health care system,” said Gilmour.
