Feeling sick? How to choose between visiting an ER, pharmacist or doctor

With cold and flu season in full swing, many Canadians may wonder whether their symptoms require a visit to a walk-in clinic, a pharmacist or the emergency room.

With cold and flu season in full swing, many Canadians may be left wondering if their relentless cough, throbbing headache or high fever calls for a trip to the walk-in clinic — or if it’s time to seek help in the emergency room.

With respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia on the rise, Canadians have several options for seeking care.

These include visiting a neighbourhood walk-in clinic, consulting a family doctor, speaking with a local pharmacist or heading to the emergency room.

Of course, the type of visit depends on the severity of the sickness, explained Dr. Kathleen Ross, a family physician and former president of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

“There are a number of respiratory viruses that circulate around this time of year, and we hear the most of COVID and influenza. But whooping cough is in the community for sure. RSV is starting to raise its head as well. But there are many, many viruses that cause these illnesses,” she said.

Before deciding where to seek care, it’s important to remember that prevention is the first line of defence this flu season, said Sadaf Faisal, an Ontario pharmacist and director of professional affairs at the Canadian Pharmacy Association.

“The best way to manage cold and flu symptoms this season is by preventing illness altogether,” she said, adding that this includes staying up to date with vaccines (COVID-19, influenza, RSV), practising good hand hygiene and wearing a mask when necessary.

But if you’re already feeling that tingly throat, itchy nose or a fever starting to set in, here’s where to turn to for care.