OHT Message to the Community

Date Posted: 

November 30, 2022

Dear Niagara community members,

Our community has been through a lot in the past few years. It is now facing a triple threat of the flu (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, which is making many residents sick ? especially children. The current situation is putting a strain on our health care system in Niagara and across Ontario.

Everyone can be assured that, most of the time, these illnesses can be safely managed at home, and symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications, for example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. As a first option, people having trouble accessing over-the-counter medicine should call their primary care provider if they have one or speak to a pharmacist for advice.

Parents and guardians know their children best and should reach out to a primary care provider or visit a walk-in clinic if they have concerns. Local health care providers currently have higher numbers of patient calls and visits than usual. For non-urgent visits, wait times may be longer.

While emergency departments are currently facing capacity issues, in some cases, it is the only place to get the appropriate care. If you or your child are experiencing any of the following, go to the closest emergency department or call 9-1-1:
• You or your child are seriously ill
• You have a baby who is younger than three months old who has a fever
• You or your child is struggling to breathe or is at risk of dehydration

You can learn about your health care options through Niagara Health’s Know Your Options resource or seek out urgent online medical care services through UrgentCareOntario.ca. More information on symptoms and advice for next steps can be found through Health Connect
Ontario’s assessment tool.

We know the pandemic has impacted everyone, and we’re grateful for everything people have done to protect those around them. However, now is not the time to stop. Niagara is filled with amazing people who have shown great care, compassion, and resilience. We need your help to
keep our community as safe and healthy as possible as we navigate these ongoing challenges.

Please, if possible, get up to date with your vaccinations, wear a mask and stay home when you’re sick. Together, we can get through this.

Thank you,

Niagara Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara