Flu, RSV, and COVID-19: Stay Protected This Respiratory Season
With the arrival of fall, and as we spend more time indoors, respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) will increase. Here are seven simple things you can do to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe and healthy.
Stay up to date with immunizations – talk to a health care provider about co-administration for COVID-19 and flu, as well as RSV for those who are eligible.
Stay home when you are feeling sick
Wear a mask when you have symptoms and if you are in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you or someone in your household is at higher risk of severe illness
Wash or sanitize your hands well and often, and keep commonly touched surfaces clean
Sneeze and cough into your elbow
Ventilate your air at home with air purifiers such as HEPA filters
Know what to do if you get sick
Most mild symptoms can be managed at home – drink plenty of fluids, use a humidifier, try nasal saline rinses, suck on lozenges for a sore throat (not for those under age 6), try acetaminophen if you are able to take this (such as Tylenol) to relieve body aches, headaches, and fever. Over the counter cough and cold medicines may not be safe for young children or people with certain health problems.
Seek medical care if your symptoms do not improve or worsen over time, if you have a high fever, or a cough that is not resolving.
If you have severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion seek emergency medical care
Most respiratory illnesses in children can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications. In some cases, it is important to seek medical care, such as if children are irritable (very fussy) or lethargic (sleeping much more than usual), not drinking well or dehydrated, experiencing wheezing (noisy) breathing or working hard to breathe, have a fever for more than 4 days, or have ongoing symptoms for several days. Overall, if you are worried about your child, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Babies under 3 months with fever should be seen immediately in the Emergency Room.
Vaccine recommendations and eligibility:
Influenza
The Influenza vaccine will be available to all individuals 6 months of age and older
Those over the age of 65 may receive the high dose vaccination
Children 6 months to less than 9 years who have never received the influenza vaccine should receive two doses, 4 weeks apart
COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended annually each fall for everyone over the age of 6 months
Those that are high risk are recommended to have an additional dose in the spring:
Adults over the age of 80
Those 65-79
Residents of long-term care homes and congregate settings
Those 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
Those 55 years and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and household members
RSV
Infants born April 1, 2025, or after and who are less than 8 months of age at time of immunization
Children up to 24 months of age who are at high risk
Pregnant individuals between 32-36 weeks who will deliver during RSV season
Adults (who have not previously received an RSV vaccine)
Age 75 and older
Age 60-75 and high risk (e.g. resident of long-term care, receiving hemodialysis, organ or stem cell transplant recipients)
Where to get vaccines:
Pharmacies: COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines for those high risk are available now. Pharmacists cannot provide vaccines for children under the age of two years. Vaccination for Influenza and COVID-19 begins on October 27th for the general population.
Riverside Court Medical Clinic: Influenza and RSV vaccines are available when you have a scheduled appointment with your physician. If you are interested in an RSV vaccine for yourself/your infant, please call the clinic, our nurses will call you and offer an appointment if eligible. COVID-19 vaccines are not available at RCMC.
Ottawa Public Health: Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for high-risk individuals, including children under the age of 5 and family members. See details and book online here: (Influenza (Flu) - Ottawa Public Health)
