Guides & articles

Straight answers on treating common conditions in Ontario - quick, free with a valid health card, and with no family doctor needed.

Tick bites in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
After a tick bite, prompt action can lower the risk of Lyme disease.
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Sprains & strains in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Sprains and strains are stretched or torn ligaments or muscles, usually from a twist or overuse.
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Menstrual cramps in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are lower-abdominal pains around your period.
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Yeast infection in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
A vaginal yeast infection is a common overgrowth of Candida causing itch and discharge.
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Urinary tract infection in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the bladder or urethra.
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Pinworms & threadworms in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Pinworms (threadworms) are a common, harmless intestinal worm - especially in children - that cause itch.
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Nausea in pregnancy in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy - often called morning sickness - is common in early pregnancy.
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Hemorrhoids in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus that can cause itching, discomfort or minor bleeding.
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Acid reflux / heartburn in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Acid reflux (heartburn / GERD) is stomach acid moving up into the food pipe, causing a burning feeling.
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Oral thrush in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Oral thrush is a yeast (Candida) overgrowth in the mouth, common after antibiotics or with a dry mouth.
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Canker sores in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers inside the mouth; they are not contagious.
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Hay fever in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to pollen, dust or animal dander.
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Pink eye in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the eye surface, from a virus, bacteria or allergy.
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Insect bites & hives in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Most insect bites and hives cause temporary itch and swelling that settles on its own.
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Cold sores in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Cold sores are small blisters around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus; they tend to recur.
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Impetigo in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Impetigo is a common, contagious bacterial skin infection that causes sores and honey-coloured crusts.
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Diaper rash in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Diaper rash is irritated skin in the diaper area, usually from wetness, friction or a yeast overgrowth.
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Eczema & dermatitis in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Eczema (dermatitis) is dry, itchy, inflamed skin that tends to flare and settle over time.
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Acne (mild) in Ontario: symptoms, self-care and how to get treated
Acne happens when pores clog with oil and dead skin, leading to pimples, blackheads and whiteheads - most often on the face, chest and back.
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Can a pharmacist prescribe in Ontario? The minor ailments list (2026)
Ontario pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for a list of common minor ailments. Here is what is on the list and how to get treated online.
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No family doctor in Ontario? How to get treated for common conditions
About 2.5 million Ontarians do not have a family doctor. For many everyday conditions, a pharmacist can assess and prescribe - online, fast, and free with your health card.
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How to get a UTI prescription online in Ontario (free with OHIP)
Burning, urgency, going constantly? In Ontario you can be assessed for an uncomplicated UTI online by a pharmacist - often free with your health card, and with no doctor needed.
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