Joint release from Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, and Quinte Health.
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 16, 2024
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 (HPE OHT), 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 ad flu care clinics – Belleville, Trenton, Picton and Bancroft
The 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 to 9 p.m., 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 38 C (100.4 F) or children with a fever over 38.3 C (101 F) 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.
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Media inquiries:
HPE Public Health – hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Quinte Health – cwalker@quintehealth.ca
HPE Ontario Health Team – srivers@hpeoht.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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