This time of year is well known for holiday parties and gatherings to celebrate the season. The Local Health Units agree that these gatherings are important to foster a sense of belonging, improve mental health and bring the community closer. However, health officials say respiratory viruses can spread easily when people gather (especially over holidays and in winter months). Respiratory illnesses can have a significant impact on overall well-being. They are urging individuals and communities to consider ways to reduce the spread of respiratory illness.
Respiratory illness season has arrived, meaning viruses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are circulating at the same time as common cold and cough viruses. Therefore, the health teams are urging people to protect themselves, their families, and those around them who may be at high risk of severe illness and complications. They say many people in the community, like older adults, pregnant persons, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalizations.
“As with every respiratory season in the fall and winter, it is important to follow public health precautions, and especially to get your COVID-19 and flu shots,” says Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
“We are urging everyone to do their part in reducing the spread of illness with the goal of reducing the prevalence of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization caused by respiratory viruses,” says Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa Public Health.
“This season, it is not only the older population we are concerned about, it is also children. Flu can cause severe illness and even hospitalization in children less than five. I urge everyone to get their flu vaccination; especially those under 5 and over 65.” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.
The local public health agencies in the eastern region support the provincial recommendations for using layers of protection:
– Get updated COVID-19 and annual flu vaccine.
– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
– Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
– Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot.
– Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
– Optimize indoor air quality as much as possible.
– Stay home when feeling sick.
– Wear a well-fitted mask, particularly if you are at a higher risk for severe illness.
The public health units say they continue to monitor a number of factors, including the overall respiratory transmission and frequency of severe illness. Respiratory virus surveillance reports from each area have information about COVID-19 and flu cases, outbreaks, and much more.
With files by CFRA’s Connor Ray
