Minor illnesses are described as health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies. Additional criteria include:

• Usually a short-term condition

• Lab results aren’t usually required

• Low risk of treatment masking an underlying condition

• No medication or medical history red flags that could suggest a more serious condition

• Only minimal or short-term follow-up is required

Pharmacists can assess and prescribe a prescription level medication when necessary rather than recommending a milder over- the-counter treatment for specific, less serious conditions, as outlined by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.

Minor, or common, illnesses refer to conditions that can initially be managed with non-prescription therapy, such as allergies or skin irritations. All pharmacists can assess minor illnesses symptoms and recommend self-care or over-the-counter treatments. Pharmacists in Ontario can now also prescribe medications for certain minor illnesses, as identified below:

• Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies)

• Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye, bacterial, allergic and viral)

• Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact)

• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, heartburn)

• Hemorrhoids

• Herpes labialis (cold sores)

• Impetigo

• Insect bites and urticaria (hives)

• Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease

• Musculoskeletal sprains and strains

• Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)

No, you don’t need to make an appointment to speak with your pharmacist. If our store is open, you can consult with the pharmacist. We’re accessible and ready to see you.

Assessment and prescribing for minor illnesses are covered by Ontario's Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). To be eligible for this service, you’d need to have a valid Ontario Health Number.

After the pharmacist assesses a patient they, in conjunction with the patient, determine the appropriate course of action. This could be a prescription or a recommendation for an over-the-counter medication. If a pharmacist assesses your condition but feels it is serious or requires follow-up, he or she will refer you to a doctor for additional assessment.

Yes. Pharmacists are required to inform your primary physician when they write a prescription for you.

Yes. If the condition and treatment required are within pharmacists' prescribing limits, you may still receive treatment even if you do not have a doctor. This service is intended to improve access to health care.

If your illness becomes more serious or you are not seeing improvements with the medication prescribed by your pharmacist, you will be referred to your doctor for a diagnosis. Your pharmacist is trained to recognize when an illness requires additional assessment and care beyond their scope.