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2023 Respiratory Season

Seasonal Respiratory Illness

NEW: As of Monday, Oct. 30, the XBB formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine will be available in Simcoe Muskoka to eligible individuals aged six months and older. 

It is that time of year where we begin to see rising numbers of common colds, COVID-19, seasonal influenza cases and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in our communities.

To reduce the risk of becoming ill and protect those closest to us it is important that everyone uses multiple layers of protection. This is especially important for those who are at higher risk of severe illness, specifically children under five years of age as well as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

If you have symptoms of any respiratory illness:

  • Stay home until you are fever-free (without using fever-reducing medication AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours.
  • If you can’t stay home: wear a well-fitting mask and avoid non-essential mask-less activities for 10 days from when symptoms started.
  • Don’t visit those at high-risk of severe illness including those in long-term care, retirement homes or in hospital.

As of Monday, Oct. 30, the XBB formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine will be available in Simcoe Muskoka to eligible individuals aged six months and older. You are encouraged to stay up to date with your vaccines and to get them as soon as you are able. It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time.

COVID-19 XBB Vaccine

The COVID-19 XBB vaccine is recommended for individuals 6 months and older if it has been 6 months from a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or known COVID-19 infection (whichever is later) to give a better immune response against currently circulating COVID-19 strains.

Click here to find where to get the COVID-19 vaccine in your area.

Influenza Vaccine

It is important to get a flu vaccine each year as the flu viruses change over time. The flu vaccine is recommended for individuals 6 months of age and older. It is best to get your flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available to you, as it can take up to 2 weeks for the vaccine to take full effect.

Click here to find where to get the influenza vaccine in your area.

COVID-19 continues to circulate, and our greatest concern is for the most vulnerable in our communities; older adults, those with health concerns, and those living in congregate settings.

If you have COVID‑19 symptoms and are at a higher risk of severe illness, you should get tested for COVID‑19 (by molecular or rapid antigen test) and seek care as soon as possible as you may benefit from available COVID‑19 treatment. The oral medication must be taken within the first five days of symptom onset. Some physician offices and pharmacies may be able to provide home rapid antigen test kits. SMDHU also has limited number of test kits at our offices. 

Visit the COVID-19 Community Risk Level for information to help you make better informed decision about how you can best protect yourself and others from transmission and severe illness due to COVID-19.

The influenza (or flu) season typically runs from late fall to early spring. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. It is very difficult to tell the difference between the flu and other viral or bacterial illnesses based on the symptoms alone. Young children (under 5 years of age) and older adults are at higher risk of severe disease and complications.

To protect yourself and others it is recommended that you get the flu shot early and every year.  

Learn more about Influenza symptoms and treatment.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and airways. It causes colds and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in young infants and toddlers. It can also cause severe illness in the elderly.  RSV is expected to be circulating this respiratory illness season. RSV rates are currently still very low in Ontario; however, RSV has already started to circulate in the southern United States, and we expect an early start to the season in Ontario.

The Ministry of Health will be making RSV vaccine (Arexvy) available to all residents 60 years and older living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and some retirement home residents. The health unit will be working directly with these homes to ensure eligible residents have access to this vaccine when it becomes available.

Learn more about RSV symptoms and treatment.

There are simple, proven, and effective layers of protection that help prevent viruses from spreading and when combined they lower the risk of illness impacting our schools, workplaces, and the health care system. These layers of protection include:

  • Stay home when you are sick with any respiratory symptoms
  • Get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu as soon as it is available to you.
  • Clean your hands often.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially anyone at higher risk of severe infection.
  • Optimize indoor ventilation and air quality.
  • Access testing and treatment if you are at high risk of severe infection.
  • Clean and disinfect common surfaces and items.

 

Resources:

How to Protect Yourself and Others from Respiratory Viruses- Public Health Ontario

COVID-19 Community Risk Level

The COVID-19 Community Risk Level is updated each Thursday and can help you determine the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection and serious illness. Risk of infection and severe illness increases as community, personal and situational risk increases. As risks increase add more layers of protection. The more precautions you take the better you and others around you will be protected.

Weekly Respiratory Virus Update

The Weekly Respiratory Virus Update includes data about COVID-19 and influenza activity and is produced weekly for the respiratory virus season to date. The report shares the most recent week's local influenza and COVID-19 activity throughout the respiratory season, providing an overview of circulating respiratory viruses. It is posted each Wednesday for the previous week of local respiratory virus reporting, from Sunday to Saturday (inclusive). 

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and are at a higher risk of severe illness, you should get tested for COVID-19 (by molecular or home rapid antigen test) and seek care as soon as possible as you may benefit from available COVID-19 treatment. The oral medications must be taken within the first five days of symptom onset. Some physician offices and pharmacies may be able to provide home rapid antigen test kits. SMDHU also has limited number of test kits at our offices. 

Although getting the flu or COVID-19 can make you ill, mild symptoms of these illnesses can be managed at home.

The following is a list of how to manage mild symptoms of respiratory illness at home:

  • Stay home and get plenty of rest.
  • Avoid close contact with infants, pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with chronic health issues (anyone in these groups can catch viruses easily).
  • Drink lots of fluids (avoid drinks with caffeine).
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
  • Take basic pain or fever relievers but do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children or teenagers under the age of 18.
  • Treat muscle pain using a hot water bottle or heating pad (apply heat for short periods of time).
  • Take a warm bath.
  • Gargle with a glass of warm salt water or suck on hard candy or lozenges.
  • Use spray or saline drops for a stuffy nose.
  • Keep surfaces clean.
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue or upper sleeve, not your hands.
  • Dispose of tissues immediately after use.
  • Clean your hands often.

 

Resources:
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