I have a cold, what should I do?

Most coughs and colds can be managed safely at home. Rest, stay well-hydrated, and consider using over-the-counter remedies for comfort. Symptoms like a mild fever, congestion, and cough are common and usually improve within 7–10 days. See a doctor at our clinic or in the ER if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, a very high fever, or symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks.

For more, in-depth information see the below link

Respiratory Illnesses - Ottawa Public Health

My child has a cold, what should I do?

A very valuable resource on this is through the CHEO website, please see the following link:

Cough and colds - CHEO

The ‘common cold’ is caused by viruses (germs) that infect the nose, throat and sinuses causing upper respiratory tract infections. Colds are most common in the fall and winter when people are indoors and in close contact with each other. They're so common in fact that it's normal for children under five years old to have as many as 12 upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in one year. Upper respiratory tract infections, like colds, cause symptoms in the nose, throat and sinuses. 

What else should be self-care at home?

For many minor illnesses and injuries, simple home care is often the best first step. Below are some examples of situations where you can usually manage symptoms at home, and when it might be time to seek medical advice.

Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies often cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. These symptoms can usually be controlled with over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Try to limit outdoor activities on high-pollen days and keep windows closed. Contact the office if your symptoms are not improving with treatment or if you develop wheezing or shortness of breath.

Hemorrhoids
Mild hemorrhoids often improve with home care. Increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, using stool softeners, and taking warm baths can help relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter creams and wipes may also provide comfort. Contact us if you have persistent pain, significant bleeding, or symptoms that do not improve within a few days.

Minor injuries:

Minor Cuts
Small cuts and grazes can usually be treated at home. Clean the wound gently with water, apply clean Vaseline, and cover it with a clean bandage. Monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Seek medical advice if the wound is deep, won't stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection.

Minor Bruises
Bruises are common and usually heal on their own. Applying a cold compress for the first 24 hours can reduce swelling, followed by gentle warmth to help healing. Elevate the area if possible and rest as needed. Seek medical advice if a bruise is unusually painful, very large, or if you experience frequent unexplained bruising.

Minor Sprains
Mild sprains, such as twisted ankles or wrists, can often be managed at home using the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort. Seek care if you are unable to bear weight, if the joint looks misshapen, or if pain and swelling do not start to improve after a few days.

What do I do if I think I am pregnant?

Press this link for more information, perform a urine pregnancy test, and call us if you are pregnant. Let us know when the first date of your last menstrual period was and if you would like to keep the pregnancy.

If you would like to terminate, we recommend contacting the Ottawa Morgantaler clinic on 65 Bank Street, phone number 613 567 8300, website https://oaclinic.ca. This is an excellent service that provides compassionate prompt care.

If you would like to keep the pregnancy, your appointment will be booked for about 6 weeks from the date of your last period and we will give you advice during this appointment on the next stages.

We feel privileged to be able to provide you care early in your pregnancy!

For some important information about your care in the coming months, please press this link

Do I need a measles vaccines?

In Ontario, routine measles immunization is crucial for protection against this highly contagious disease. Children should receive two doses of a measles-containing vaccine: the first at 12 months and the second between 4 to 6 years of age.

In Ontario, individuals born before 1970 are generally considered immune to measles due to widespread exposure during that time. Those born in 1970 or later should have two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine (such as MMR) to ensure full protection. If you're unsure about your vaccination history, it's recommended to receive the vaccine rather than undergo a blood test for immunity, as serology testing isn't routinely advised for the general population. However, certain groups, like healthcare workers, may require serological testing to confirm immunity. Ensuring up-to-date measles vaccination is especially important for international travellers and those in communities with lower vaccination rates. If you have questions about your immunization status, please contact our office or your local public health unit.

I’m not sure who to contact out of hours?

For all medical emergencies including, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe injuries you must call 911.

For issues that arise outside of our office hours and you’re unsure if your medical concerns can wait for our next appointment or needs ER attention, contact Health811. They will give general advice over an online live-chat or you can call them on their toll-free number. See the below link:

Health811 - Health811

What minor issues can I see a pharmacist for?

Pharmacists are capable of treated a number of minor ailments in Ontario without a prescription from a doctor. These include:

• Allergic rhinitis (allergies causing nasal symptoms)

• Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush).

• Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic and viral).

• Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact).

• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

• Hemorrhoids.

• Herpes labialis (cold sores).

• Impetigo.

• Insect bites and urticaria (hives).

• Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease.

• Musculoskeletal sprains and strains.

• Urinary tract infections.

See the attached link for more information

Skip the doctor, see a pharmacist: 13 conditions you can have treated at an Ontario pharmacy in 2023 | CBC News

I keep having issues with ear wax/hearing?

For ear wax issues, try self-care first – Many cases of ear wax build-up can be managed at home using over-the-counter treatments such as ear drops. Your local community pharmacy can provide advice on the best options.

In some cases the wax build-up does not clear despite ear drops. Our medical office assistants do provide ear flushes for completely obstructed ear canals, however the procedure does have the risk of ear drum perforation. Microsuction is a safer, private-pay option that is offered by other locations such as the Murray Hearing centre (Services - Murray Hearing Centre).

Hearing assessments are available on a walk-in basis at any hearing centre, such as Connect Hearing, conveniently located on the first floor of our building. No referral is needed to have your hearing tested.

Can I see my family doctor for dental issues?

Family doctors are trained to provide care for a wide range of medical issues, but we are not specifically trained in dental medicine. Dental health requires specialized knowledge and skills that are best provided by a licensed dentist. If you have concerns such as tooth pain, gum problems, or issues with your mouth or jaw, we strongly recommend seeing a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. They have the expertise and equipment needed to manage dental conditions safely and effectively. Your overall health is important to us, and we encourage you to seek the right care for dental issues!

What about if I have concerns about by eyes?

If you are experiencing eye issues such as vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, we recommend that you save time and book an urgent, same-day appointment directly with an optometrist or present to the ER! Family medicine clinics do not have the specialized equipment needed to properly assess the full back of the eye. Optometrists are well-equipped to provide a thorough examination and direct you to further care if needed

I need advice for travel?

Travel medicine is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on preventing and managing health risks related to international travel. While family doctors are trained in general medical care, travel medicine often requires additional expertise and up-to-date knowledge about destination-specific risks, vaccinations, and travel-related illnesses. In Ontario, travel medicine services are not generally part of routine family practice unless the physician has pursued extra training in this field. It’s important to note that most travel consultations and vaccines are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). If you are planning to travel and need advice or vaccinations, we recommend visiting a travel clinic to ensure you receive the most accurate and comprehensive care for your trip!