As the weather gets colder, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect yourself and others from seasonal illnesses:
Stay Informed
Understand the symptoms of common respiratory illnesses and when to seek care.
Practice Good Hygiene
Simple measures like staying home when you’re feeling unwell, frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze can go a long way in reducing the spread of illness.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccinations help protect you and ease the pressure on our health care system, ensuring we can provide timely care to everyone. Getting the flu shot is the best defense against the flu, especially for those who are immunocompromised, seniors and other vulnerable populations.
Visit Niagara Region Public Health’s webpage to know where to obtain vaccinations for you and your loved ones.
Know Your Options
Emergency department staff and physicians work hard to provide all patients with safe, quality care in a timely manner. However, wait times, like in all emergency departments in Ontario, may be long for those with less serious concerns. If it’s not an emergency, try your family doctor, walk-in clinic or book a virtual appointment with Urgent Care Ontario. Pharmacists can also help with many ailments.
Don’t Forget
Explore community resources with the NOHT-ÉSON’s Resource Navigator.
Niagara Health has created the Know Your Options poster, a helpful resource to guide you in choosing the right care option.
It explains when to see your primary care provider, visit an urgent care center, or go to the nearest emergency department.
Click the image above to view the flyer and stay informed!
