Stay Healthy This Holiday Season: Know Your Care Options

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 16, 2024

A joint statement from the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Quinte Health and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.

With the holiday season upon us, gatherings with loved ones bring warmth and celebration—but also the potential for seasonal illnesses. Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and Quinte Health are encouraging the community to make informed decisions about their health care needs, helping to keep emergency departments available for those who need them most.

Local Cold & Flu Care Clinics – Belleville, Trenton, Picton and Bancroft

The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team (HPE OHT) offers COVID, Cold & Flu Care Clinics for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, sore throat, sinus congestion, new or worsening cough, or shortness of breath, with or without vomiting or diarrhea. These clinics are open to all, including those without a primary care provider.  Appointments must be booked in advance – no walk-ins are accepted.  

Virtual Care Options

For non-urgent health concerns, consider using virtual care services. East Region Virtual Care Clinic (ERVCC) is open daily from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, providing virtual appointments with Nurse Practitioners for patients across Ontario Health’s East Region. Register online at virtualcareontario.ca or call 1-888-684-1999.

Health811

Speak with a registered nurse 24/7 by calling 811 or visiting ontario.ca/health811 for health advice and information.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when doing very little or resting.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Chest pain or tightness in the chest.
• Continuous vomiting or severe diarrhea with signs of dehydration.
• A broken bone or wound that may require stitches.
• Seizures or convulsions.
• Stiff neck or sensitivity to light.
• Confusion or disorientation.
• Infants under one month old with a temperature of over 38C (100.4F) or children with a fever over 38.3C (101F) and are difficult to wake.
• A mental health emergency such as acute psychosis or mania. Call Quinte Health’s Crisis Intervention Centre (CIC) at 1-888-757-7766. Individuals who have thoughts of self-harming or harming others can call or text 9-8-8 or call the CIC.

Preventive Tips

• Vaccinations: Stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations. Visit the HPEPH website to learn more, including eligibility and availability in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
• Hygiene Practices: Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean high-touch surfaces.
• Stay Home When Sick: Avoid gatherings if you’re feeling unwell to prevent spreading illness to others.
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and when recovering from illness. If you are recovering from illness, it is especially important to wear a mask for 10 days after your symptoms started.

By choosing the most appropriate care options and following preventive health measures, you can help ensure a safe and healthy holiday season for yourself and those around you. Let’s work together to keep our community well and ensure that emergency departments remain available for those in urgent need. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and healthy holiday season.