Submitted by IERHA
Respiratory virus season has now arrived, and there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.
Prevention measures include:
- Practising good hand hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer when washing isn’t possible.
- Drinking plenty of fluids and ensuring you get enough rest.
- Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your elbow toprevent spreading germs.
- Keeping shared spaces clean by wiping down frequently touched surfaces such a door knobs,counters and phones.
- Staying home when you’re sick.It’s also recommended to get the most updated flu and COVID vaccine. Book an appointment by calling 1-844-626-8222 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday or by using the online booking system at manitoba.ca/protectmb.
- When to stay home
- If you become sick and are otherwise healthy, it is best to stay home when experiencing common symptoms, which can typically be addressed at home. These include:
- Sore throat.
- Blocked or runny nose.
- Cough.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting (but you’re not dehydrated).
- Diarrhea (but you’re not dehydrated).
- Fever that responds well to medication.
- When to seek non-emergency care
- If you’re not seeing any improvement or if your symptoms continue longer than five to seven days, different options are available depending on your situation. You can:
• Book an appointment with your primary care provider, who can provide care for non-urgent cold and flu symptoms and administer vaccinations for flu and COVID. If you are currently looking for a regular primary care provider, contact Family Doctor Finder at 1-866-690-8260 or visit gov.mb.ca/health/familydoctorfinder/.
- Visit a clinic in your community. Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has a list of clinics at ierha.ca/find-us/.
- Visit a pharmacist for flu and COVID vaccinations, prescription refills and care for certain medical conditions.
- Seek 24/7 virtual care through QDoc, which provides health-care services remotely. Patients can consult with health-care providers via video calls, phone calls or online messaging in their home. Services that can be provided remotely include requests for prescription refills and requests for medical advice. Call 1-833-736-2362 or book online at qdoc.ca/.
- Book a same-day appointment at the QuickCare Clinic in Selkirk by visiting medinav.ca or calling 204-482-4399.
- Visit Easton Place Medical Centre (15 Wersch St.), which accepts walk-ins. To minimize your wait time, call ahead to make a booking at 204-482-4044.
- If you have a sick kid or teen, learn about caring for them and where to go through KidCare. Visit ierha.ca/patient-information/where-to-go/kid-care/ to learn more.
- When to visit an emergency department
- Anyone who has a medical emergency that can’t wait should call 911 or visit their closest emergency room. Examples of situations that require a visit to the emergency department include sudden or new chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness, loss of vision, slurring of speech or an object in the eye or ear. Other emergency situations include loss of consciousness, severe injury, severe back pain, pregnancy complications or suicidal thoughts.“As we move through respiratory virus season, our priority is ensuring that every resident has clear, practical guidance to stay healthy and to know where to seek care when they need it,” said Dr. Scott Gregoire, vice-president of medical services and chief medical officer for Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.“By taking simple preventive steps, staying home when ill and choosing the right care option for your situation, you help protect yourself, your family and our health-care teams. Thank you for working with us to keep our communities safe and our emergency departments available for those who need them most.”
