Ontario residents can take charge of their respiratory well-being with a simple trip to their local pharmacy.
Ontario pharmacies are essential allies in the pursuit of respiratory wellness. Here’s how pharmacy professionals can help to safeguard your respiratory health.
Tip 1: Be vaccine vigilant
With a variety of respiratory illnesses circulating, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, being proactive about your health is key. Vaccines provide a safe and effective way to stimulate your immune system and reduce the risk of death or health complications from common infectious diseases.
Pharmacy professionals provide convenient access to vaccines and professional guidance, empowering patients to take control of their health. In fact, this past year alone, a majority of Canadian adults (52 per cent of the vaccinated population) received their vaccines at a pharmacy.
Here are four essential vaccines your Ontario pharmacy can administer:
- Influenza vaccines
- COVID-19 vaccines
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccines
- Pneumococcal vaccines
Tip 2: Harness the power of pharmacist prescribing
Pharmacist prescribing is a potent tool to treat certain respiratory conditions and prevent severe outcomes in patients.
Additionally, Ontario pharmacists are expertly trained to prescribe, counsel, and provide resources for smoking cessation, which can significantly decrease your risk of respiratory infection and complications.
Tip 3: Get health education from accessible medication experts
Embarking on an international trip? Pharmacies can safeguard travellers against vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly those endemic to specific regions.
Although some respiratory infections lack vaccines or cures, pharmacists can still provide recommendations to manage symptoms like cough and congestion.
Pharmacy teams serve as pillars of strength in the fight against respiratory infections by providing immunizations, prescribing, and skillful support.
To learn more, visit opatoday.com.
