Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Below you will find information on infection prevention, symptoms, vaccination and treatment. Check out our Respiratory Illness Activity Dashboard to see the latest data about respiratory illness in our community.
Common symptoms of respiratory illness
Fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting/diarrhea, abdominal pain.
What to do if you have symptoms
Take the online Self-assessment for yourself or on behalf of someone else. At the end of the Self-assessment, you will find instructions based on your answers.
In general you should:
- Stay home until you do not have a fever and your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for nausea/vomiting/diarrhea).
- Consult your doctor or primary care provider if you have medical questions.
- Wear a mask in public and when around others for 10 days from when symptoms started.
- Avoid non-essential visits to people at high risk of severe illness (seniors, long-term care homes, retirement homes, hospital)
How respiratory viruses spread
- Through the air when a person coughs or sneezes.
- Direct contact such as kissing an infected person.
- Indirect contact like touching a surface or another person that has droplets on it/them, then touching your face with unwashed hands.
Testing and treatment
Symptoms of respiratory illnesses can generally be treated at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication to stay comfortable.
Anti-viral treatments for COVID-19 are available for eligible high-risk individuals who have tested positive and have symptoms. People who are eligible for COVID-19 testing and treatment should contact their pharmacy or primary care provider.
Note: Rapid antigen tests are not available at Public Health.
Immunization
Immunization for flu, COVID-19 and RSV remains the best way to prevent severe illness.
Flu and COVID-19: An annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for those ages 6 months an older. Visit 2024 Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for more information.
RSV can be severe in infants, young children and older adults. Immunization is available for:
- Infants up to 12 months old, and children up to 24 months who are at high risk of severe illness from RSV.
- Certain high-risk adults aged 60 years and older may be eligible for the publicly funded vaccine. Adults aged 60 years and older who don’t qualify for the publicly funded program can purchase the vaccine with a prescription from their family doctor or other primary care provider.
- People who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant and who will deliver near the start of or during the RSV season.
Visit RSV Immunization Appointments for how to book an appointment.
How to prevent the spread of respiratory illness
During respiratory illness season, we all need to do our part to protect ourselves and others from getting sick. This means revisiting infection prevention measures that we know can help keep ourselves and those around us healthy. You can use multiple layers of protection to stay healthy such as:
- Get protected: Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines and RSV immunization (for those eligible)
- Wear a mask: Wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask when sick or if you have been exposed to illness.
- Assess your risk: Consider wearing a mask in indoor public settings that are crowded, confined or with poor ventilation.
- Gather safely: When meeting others, try to gather outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor areas (like spaces with open windows or HEPA filters).
- Monitor your health: Check for signs of illness daily.
- Stay home: If you are sick, please stay home.
- Get COVID-19 testing and treatment if eligible: Visit your pharmacy or primary care provider.
- Practice good hand hygiene: Washing your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- Cover up: Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, by using a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean regularly: Keep high-touch surfaces clean.