Cough and congestion
Assessment of new cough, nasal symptoms, sinus pressure or respiratory discomfort.
Help for symptoms that start suddenly
New symptoms deserve a clear next step.
Access acute illness treatment in Toronto for a timely assessment of new or worsening symptoms and a clearer next step.
01
Timely assessment
Get a new or worsening non-emergency illness reviewed without unnecessary delay.
02
Assessment first
Similar symptoms can have different causes and need different care.
03
Clear next steps
Understand treatment, home care, testing and when to seek follow-up.
!
Not for emergencies
Call 911 for severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Help when illness starts suddenly
Understand what may be happening—and what to do next.
Acute illness care is designed for new or worsening symptoms that need timely clinical assessment but are not severe or life-threatening.
The clinician considers your symptom pattern, health history, exposures and examination findings before recommending home care, medication, monitoring, testing, in-person follow-up or a higher level of care.
Common reasons for assessment
Eight kinds of short-term illness we can discuss.
These are examples, not diagnoses. Some symptoms require testing, a different service or urgent assessment depending on severity and risk.
Sore throat and ear symptoms
Review throat pain, swallowing discomfort, ear pain, pressure or changes in hearing.
Fever and body aches
Consider temperature, duration, associated symptoms, exposures and individual risk.
Vomiting or diarrhea
Assess duration, fluid intake, dehydration risk, abdominal symptoms and possible exposures.
Urinary symptoms
Review burning, frequency, urgency, lower abdominal discomfort or changes in urine.
Rashes and skin changes
Assess a new localized or widespread rash, irritation, swelling or signs of infection.
Eye concerns
Review redness, discharge, irritation or other non-emergency eye symptoms.
Headache and general illness
Discuss new headache, fatigue, reduced appetite or feeling unwell without a clear cause.
From symptom to plan
A focused process for a new illness.
Care begins with the clinical picture—not a predetermined test or medication. The next step depends on what the assessment finds.
- 01
Share the symptoms
Explain what began, when it started, how it has changed and any current precautions.
- 02
Review risk and context
Discuss medical conditions, medications, allergies, exposures, travel and self-care tried.
- 03
Complete the assessment
The clinician performs an appropriate examination and decides whether testing is useful.
- 04
Leave with next steps
Review treatment, home care, follow-up timing and warning signs that need more help.
Prepare for assessment
A short symptom history can make the visit more useful.
Think about what changed first and how the illness has progressed. Exact dates and measurements are helpful when available, but estimates are okay.
Symptom timeline
Note when symptoms began, what came first and whether they are improving or worsening.
Temperature and hydration
Bring measured temperatures and note fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhea and urine output.
Medication and allergy list
Include prescriptions, non-prescription remedies, doses already tried and known reactions.
Exposure and travel details
Mention sick contacts, outbreaks, recent travel and anything unusual you ate or encountered.
Match care to severity
Use the setting that fits how sick you feel.
Symptoms, age, pregnancy, frailty, immune status and chronic conditions can change how quickly an illness should be assessed.
Home care with monitoring
Some minor illnesses improve with rest, fluids and symptom relief, but seek advice if you are unsure.
Ask Ontario Health811 →Timely clinic assessment
Arrange care when symptoms need examination, are not improving or raise concern because of your health history.
Request an illness visit →Emergency care
Major breathing trouble, severe chest pain, confusion, loss of consciousness or another serious symptom cannot wait.
Call 911 or go to an emergency department.If you are uncertain about urgency, visit Ontario Health811 or call 811. Call 911 for immediate danger.
Severe symptoms need immediate care
Do not wait for a routine illness appointment.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for persistent severe chest pain, major breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, new confusion, signs of stroke, uncontrolled bleeding or another potentially life-threatening concern.
Seek prompt advice if symptoms rapidly worsen, you cannot keep fluids down, or a young child, pregnant person, frail adult or immunocompromised person is becoming unwell.Acute illness FAQs
Helpful answers when you are feeling unwell.
An individual assessment is needed to determine the likely cause, treatment and safest follow-up.
View all clinic FAQsAvailability changes. Call the clinic or send a request, and the team will confirm whether an appointment is available and which care setting is appropriate.
Antibiotics are prescribed only when clinically appropriate for a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. They do not treat viral illnesses such as colds or influenza.
Testing is not automatic. The clinician recommends a test when its result is likely to clarify the diagnosis or change treatment or follow-up.
Yes. Contact the clinic before arrival about fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or known exposure so the team can explain current precautions.
Follow the clinician's instructions. Seek earlier advice if symptoms worsen, new warning signs develop, treatment causes concern or you are not improving as expected.