Avoiding the emergency room for infectious symptoms: when to seek other care with Allodocteur.ca
Every year, during flu and respiratory virus outbreaks, Quebec's emergency rooms quickly become overwhelmed. Many patients come in with infectious symptoms that, although unpleasant, do not require hospital care.
In many cases, going to the emergency room exposes you to long waiting times and other infections, when you could have a quick appointment with your family doctor the same day or the next day.
Why avoid the emergency room for an uncomplicated infection?
Emergency rooms must prioritize serious and potentially life-threatening situations. When you seek medical attention for mild or moderate infectious symptoms, you expose yourself to:
an increased risk of contagion
significant delays
additional fatigue, especially in children and the elderly
Consulting the right place not only allows for faster treatment, but also helps reduce pressure on the public healthcare system.
Influenza, respiratory viruses, and COVID-19: when to seek medical attention without going to the emergency room
Most acute respiratory infections can be safely evaluated during a non-emergency medical consultation.
The following symptoms can usually be treated by a family doctor without going to the emergency room:
fever without signs of seriousness
cough, nasal congestion, sore throat
muscle aches, severe fatigue
suspected influenza or COVID-19
sinusitis, ear infection, mild bronchitis
persistent but stable symptoms
During the consultation, the doctor may:
assess the severity of the infection
determine whether testing is necessary
prescribe appropriate treatment
give clear instructions for monitoring and reassessment if necessary
Allodocteur.ca: a private medical clinic for fast and accessible care
Allodocteur.ca is a private medical clinic in Quebec offering consultations with family doctors registered with the Collège des médecins du Québec.
We offer a practical alternative to emergency care for common infections, with:
quick appointments, often on the same day or the next day
available slots even on weekends
comprehensive and personalized medical care
a quiet environment, without crowded waiting rooms
Consultation at the point of service or at home: depending on your needs
Allodocteur.ca offers two options for private medical consultations in Montreal:
Point-of-service consultations, starting at $150, are well suited for:
ambulatory patients
stable infectious symptoms
a quick medical evaluation without urgency
A home doctor visit in Montreal, starting at $290, is ideal for:
feverish children
senior citizens
very tired or contagious patients
avoid travel and waiting rooms
receive care in the comfort of one's own home
When urgency is truly necessary
Certain symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention:
severe breathing difficulty
alteration of consciousness
persistent high fever with deterioration of general condition
chest pain
severe dehydration
neurological symptoms
If in doubt, a quick medical consultation can often help determine the appropriate course of action and refer the patient to the emergency room if necessary.
Consult in the right place, at the right time
Choosing private medical care when it is not an emergency allows for faster access to treatment, reduces the risk of contagion, and helps relieve pressure on the public healthcare system.
Allodocteur.ca is part of this approach, offering accessible, effective, and compassionate medical care with quick appointments, even on weekends.
Book an appointment with a home doctor in Montreal at www.allodocteur.ca or call us: we are open even on weekends.
Book an appointment a home doctor in Montreal at www.allodocteur.ca.
