Stay Healthy and Know Your Care Options during the Holidays

During this holiday season, many of us will be gathering with loved ones and celebrate — but this also brings the potential for seasonal illnesses. The Nipissing Wellness Ontario Health Team is encouraging the community to make good use of alternative healthcare options available and helping to keep emergency departments available for those who need them most.

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

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

Northern Care Connect Northern Care Connect (NCC) is a collaborative initiative bringing together seven Ontario Health Teams in the Northeast Region of Ontario. With the support of over 50 partner organizations, we provide access to a variety of services, including mental health and addictions services, children’s services, Indigenous care, social services and home care services. Visit northerncareconnect.ca to find a services near you.

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. Preventive Tips • 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 care option that is appropriate for you and by taking preventive health measures, you can help ensure that people around you stay safe and healthy this holiday season. Let’s work together to keep our community well and ensure that emergency departments remain available for those in urgent need.

The Nipissing Wellness Ontario Health Teams is wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and healthy holiday season.

About Nipissing Wellness Ontario Health Team: The Nipissing Wellness Ontario Health Team was created promote connection between community members and care providers in our Nipissing district. Our primary goal is to improve patient outcomes by bringing services together and help people easily navigate the local health care system. There are approximately 30+ members within the Nipissing Wellness OHT, including a focus on Home and Community Care and Community and Support Services, Digital Health Group, Mental Health and Addictions, Primary Care, Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes, Acute Care, Children’s Services, Indigenous Care, and Social Services.