By Cecilia Nasmith

With respiratory illnesses – RSV, influenza and COVID-19 – still circulating at a time when social gatherings are ramping up, the team at Northumberland Hills Hospital reminds everyone to act now to prepare for a safe and healthy holiday season with seven important tips.

Plan ahead for prescriptions and non-urgent care

Pay attention to the holiday hours for your doctor or nurse-practitioner and plan ahead, when possible, to avoid unnecessary Emergency Department visits. Local primary-care offices may have different or reduced hours over the holiday season – now is the time to check that out, and to confirm that your family's prescriptions are up-to-date to minimize non-urgent trips to the ED.

COVID vaccinations

Make sure your and your family members' COVID vaccinations are up to date, meaning you have completed your primary series and, for those aged five and older, have received a COVID-19 vaccine within six months of your last dose or infection. COVID vaccinations can be booked through the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (www.hkpr.on.ca/covid-19/vaccine-clinics/) or call 1-833-943-3900. Many pharmacies and some primary-care offices, including the Northumberland Family Health Team (www.nfht.ca) also offer the vaccine. Learn more about vaccines and where to get vaccinated at www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines

Flu shots

Flu shots are given to those aged six months and older. Learn more about where you can get a flu shot in Northumberland County on the HKPR website (www.hkpr.on.ca/2019/10/23/flu-vaccine/)

Masking

Wear a mask when indoors in crowded public spaces and physical distancing cannot be maintained. Masking is not currently mandatory in most areas of the county beyond high-risk health-care settings (like hospitals and long-term-care homes, where special guidelines remain in force), but it is a small gesture that is known to have a big impact on stopping the spread of germs. Masks should be worn properly, covering the nose and mouth.

Stay home when ill

If you are able, stay home if you are ill. What feels like a minor cold to you could be serious if transmitted to someone else. Stop the spread by minimizing contact where possible, and mask when you cannot keep distant,.

Practice good hand hygiene

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Be aware of ED alternatives

These might include the NHH Cough, Cold and COVID Assessment Centre or Health Connect Ontario. The NHH ED is always ready when you need it, but this very busy team recommends considering local primary-care offices or other community clinics (such as the Cough, Cold and COVID Assessment Centre for non-emergency health concerns). Check to see if your primary-care provider has after-hours service in place (many do, and some will be operating through the holiday season). If you have no primary-care provider in the area (or if they are not available) and your situation is non-urgent, Health Connect Ontario (the new provincial service that replaced Telehealth Ontario in April) offers the option to call or live-chat on-line with a registered nurse to check your symptoms, get health advice, find a health service and more. They can be contacted by calling 811 or visiting their website. In the case of respiratory symptoms, call the Cough, Cold and COVID Assessment Centre at 905-377-7783 or 1-833-678-2435 for a phone assessment and, if required, booked appointments with a clinician – often on the same day.

NHH extends best wishes to all for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.