{"id":33654,"date":"2026-10-16T10:48:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T14:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cisss-at.gouv.qc.ca\/?page_id=33654"},"modified":"2026-10-16T10:48:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T14:48:35","slug":"guide-to-assessing-the-severity-of-your-health-problem","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cisss-at.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/guide-to-assessing-the-severity-of-your-health-problem\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to assessing the severity of your health problem"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cold weather generally means an increase in infections and more visits to emergency departments. To help avoid unnecessary wait times, here is a guide to assessing the severity of your health problem and limiting the spread of viruses.<\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/h3>\n

What should I do about my health problem?<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Information<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you have a respiratory infection<\/a> such as the flu (influenza) or COVID-19, or a common health problem, learn about ways to care for yourself at home<\/a>, the symptoms to watch for and situations that require consultation with a health care professional.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Alternatives to the emergency department<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Learn about the resources and services available: Alternatives to the emergency department.<\/a><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. How the emergency department works<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Do you think your condition requires a visit to the emergency department? Visit the Before going to the emergency department<\/a> and The emergency department and how it works<\/a> pages to learn what to expect during a visit and what the different triage levels mean.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        When temperatures drop, viruses spread more easily. One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to wash your hands frequently. To learn more about good hand hygiene practices, visit: Hand hygiene: a shared responsibility<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Cold weather generally means an increase in infections and more visits to emergency departments. 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