​Pictured: CAC staff members

Coughs, colds and other respiratory symptoms are common for this time of year, making it harder to distinguish between illnesses.

Oak Valley Health is supporting its community by offering a wide range of services at its Clinical Assessment Centre (CAC) located at Markham Stouffville Hospital. The CAC has a cough, cold and COVID-19 clinic staffed with physicians ready to assess, diagnose and treat individuals who have respiratory symptoms (runny nose, fever, sore throat, etc.). During the appointment, physicians assess if a COVID-19 swab is required.

 "We are seeing many people with cold-like symptoms such as coughs, runny nose, fever, congestion and sore throats, and in an effort to support our community, especially when COVID-19 positive cases are at an all time high, the clinic ensures timely in-person care," says Dr. Cristina Popa, Emergency Department Physician at Oak Valley Heath's Markham Stouffville Hospital. "The clinic is for adults and children with moderate COVID-19, cold or flu-like symptoms."

As of January 31, 2022, the CAC now also provides Paxlovid, an oral treatment for COVID-19, to eligible individuals.  As per Ministry of Health guidelines of COVID-19 treatment prioritization, Paxlovid is recommended for adults who have a positive COVID-19 test and have mild to severe symptoms, are at high-risk of serious illness, and who are within five days of infection. To be assessed by a physician to receive therapeutics, individuals must be referred by your family doctor or other health care professional.

Not everyone who has COVID-19 and meets certain criteria is eligible. Treatment will be determined at the time of the assessment by the Clinical Assessment Centre physicians working in collaboration with infectious disease specialist and pharmacist.

To learn more about how Oak Valley Health is supporting the community by providing assessment, testing and therapeutics, please visit our website.