Health officials in Huron-Perth have compiled a list of resources to help the community navigate cold and flu season to help prevent them from facing long waits at local emergency departments.
Dr. Kim Gilmour, the primary care clinical lead at Huron Perth and Area Ontario Health Team (HPA-OHT), said most of the time, respiratory illnesses can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications.
"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 Gilmour.
Gilmour is recommending a number of actions for individuals and families to consider before seeking emergency medical attention including:
• Calling your family doctor to discuss symptoms to determine if you need to visit your doctor or the emergency department.
• Accessing virtual urgent care. Appointment costs are fully covered with an Ontario health card. Appointments can be booked ahead online through urgentcareontario.ca
Additionally, parents of young children can book appointments with the London Health Sciences Centre's (LHSC) Children's Hospital's emergency department online or by calling 519-685-8735 between 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
HPA-OHT also suggests utilizing the province's online symptom checker to assess whether emergent care is required. There is also a live chat function available giving those an opportunity to get advice from a nurse. Residents may also call 811 to speak with a health care professionally directly.
Gilmour added that these actions for navigating respiratory illnesses do not replace other touch points with your health-care provider. Do not delay seeking care if a medical emergency arises, call 911 immediately. She also encourages residents to book an appointment at a COVID-19 and Cold and Flu Care Clinic.
Appointments for those clinics can be booked by phone at the following numbers:
• Goderich: 519-612-2320 • Grand Bend: 519-238-2362 extension: 1, or visit gbachc.ca • Stratford: 519-272-8210 extension: 2747
"Together we can slow the spread of respiratory illnesses in Huron Perth and area, while removing pressure from the health-care system,” said Gilmour.
In addition to these resources, Huron Perth Public Health recently announced it will offer flu shots at its COVID-19 vaccine clinics until the end of December.
More information about local resources can be found on the health team's website at hpaoht.ca/pfc-resources.
