Every fall and winter, Niagara Health sees a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses like colds, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These seasonal surges put added pressure on our Emergency Departments (EDs) in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland, which already care for nearly 150,000 patients a year — about 400 every day.
By knowing your care options and practicing simple prevention steps, you can help ensure our EDs are available for those who need them most.
How You Can Help Prevent Illness
When it comes to illnesses, prevention is the best medicine. We can all play a role in easing seasonal pressures on the health system by reducing the spread of illness. Below are some tips to help you fight illnesses, even before they start.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face, as germs enter the body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Strengthen your immune system – simple steps like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, staying active and managing stress all play a big role in how your body fights illnesses.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (phones, doorknobs, etc.), especially when you or someone in your environment is sick.
- Keep vaccinations up to date and get your annual flu shot.
- Stay home if you are sick and keep your distance from others to help prevent the spread.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
As more people seek care, wait times in EDs get longer. We want to help you understand what to expect and how to choose the right care for your needs.
EDs are for urgent, life-threatening or complex medical issues. Call 9-1-1 or go to the ED if you or someone you care for has:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Stroke symptoms (such as sudden weakness or trouble speaking)
- Severe burns or injuries
- Broken bones
- Unconsciousness or any other life-threatening condition
Other Care Options for Less Urgent Needs
If your condition is less serious — such as a minor sprain, sore throat, earache or mild fever — you have other choices that may save you time and help reduce pressure on EDs:
- Urgent Care Centres (UCCs): For sprains, cuts, mild asthma, fevers and minor illnesses
- Family doctors or walk-in clinics: For common illnesses, chronic conditions and prescriptions
- Pharmacies: Ontario pharmacists can now prescribe for a variety of conditions like Urinary Tract Infections and common colds
- Virtual Urgent Care: Same-day care from home at UrgentCareOntario.ca
- Health811: Call 811 to connect with a registered nurse for free, confidential health advice
Tips if You Do Need the ED
- Afternoons and evenings are the busiest times — mornings are usually less crowded
- Check our wait time clocks at niagarahealth.on.ca
- The triage system means the sickest patients are seen first, so those with less urgent needs will wait longer
- Bring your medications (or a full list), something to read or watch, drinks, snacks and a phone charger
