What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can cause mild cold-like symptoms to severe lung infections. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• sore throat
• runny nose
• sneezing
• new or worsening cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• temperature equal to or more than 38°C
• feeling feverish
• chills
• fatigue or weakness
• muscle or body aches
• new loss of smell or taste
• headache
• abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting
• feeling very unwell

Anti-viral treatment is available for those at higher risk of severe disease and complications. For more information, visit Ontario’s: Antiviral Treatment.

For more information on who is eligible for publicly-funded testing, where to access testing, and what treatments are available please visit the provincial COVID-19 testing and treatment webpage.

Vaccination

Free COVID-19 vaccines will be available for all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario starting on October 27, 2025. 

Starting in late September, high-risk and priority populations may get their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot as supply becomes available in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other congregate care settings, followed by primary care providers and participating pharmacies.

Talk to a health-care provider about co-administration for COVID-19 and flu, as well as RSV for those who are eligible.

Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to remain protected against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection including hospitalization and death.

Annual COVID-19 vaccines are approved and free of charge for everybody aged 6 months and older in Ontario regardless of:

• citizenship
• immigration status
• if you do not have an Ontario health card

To keep you and your loved ones protected, it is recommended you get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at the start of the annual COVID-19 vaccine program each fall.

When you should get your next dose

Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine program has transitioned to an annual program in alignment with expert recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Respiratory illness season runs from late fall to early spring. It is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older receive an updated dose of COVID-19 vaccine starting in the fall when it becomes available.

Populations at high-risk of infection are recommended to receive an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available in the spring.

If you have any further questions, please contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.

Additional information

• • Ontario: COVID-19 Health Advice
  • Ontario: COVID-19 Vaccines
  • RCDHU: COVID-19 Information and Resources

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza is a sudden illness with fever and cough that happens when your respiratory system—your nose, throat and lungs—get infected with a virus called influenza virus.

Flu generally occurs in the fall and winter months. Young children (under 5) and older adults are at higher risk of severe disease and complications.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms appear one to four days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually include the sudden appearance of:

• fever
• cough
• muscle aches and pain

Other common symptoms may include:

• headache
• chills
• fatigue (tiredness)
• loss of appetite
• sore throat

Some people (especially children) may also have:

• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• runny or stuffy nose

Vaccination

Free flu shots will be available starting on October 27, 2025 for everyone 6 months of age and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario.

Starting in late September, high-risk and priority populations may get their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine as supply becomes available in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other congregate care settings, followed by primary care providers and participating pharmacies.

Talk to a health-care provider about co-administration for COVID-19 and flu, as well as RSV for those who are eligible.

Additional information

• • Government of Canada: Influenza (Flu) Symptoms and Treatment
  • Government of Canada: Reduce the spread of respiratory viruses
  • CHEO Fact Sheet – What you need to know: Fevers

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness, particularly among infants, young children, and older adults, affecting the lungs and airways. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a common chest infection that affects infants and toddlers. Immunization is available to help prevent serious outcomes, such as hospitalization, caused by the virus.

Most children will have at least one RSV infection by the age of 2. The infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can cause serious lung infections that may require hospitalization.

Symptoms

Symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the cold or flu, including:

• coughing
• a runny nose
• fever
• wheezing
• a decrease in appetite and energy
• irritability in children
• Because these are common symptoms, it is easy to mistake RSV for other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or COVID-19. While most RSV symptoms will go away in a few days, seek medical attention if you or your child have trouble breathing, are not drinking enough fluids or are experiencing worsening symptoms.

Older Adults RSV Prevention

Through Ontario’s publicly funded adult RSV prevention program, the full cost of RSV immunization is covered for Ontario residents aged 75 and older. Individuals who are 60 years of age and older AND meet one of the following criteria also qualify for an RSV immunization this fall if not previously immunized:

• resident of a long-term care home, Elder Care Lodge, or retirement home including similar settings (for example, co-located facilities)
• patient in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC) including similar settings (for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)
• patient with glomerulonephritis (GN) who is moderately to severely immunocompromised
• patient receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
• recipient of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants
• individual who is homeless
• individual who identifies as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis

If you are eligible for a publicly funded RSV vaccine, please get vaccinated as soon as possible through one of our clinics or with your health care provider. Individuals who received a dose of RSV vaccine during the 2023-2024 season do not need to receive another dose this season. The timing for subsequent doses is unknown at this time. Studies are ongoing to determine the duration of protection.

Anyone who is 60 years of age or older and not eligible for the publicly funded vaccine can speak to their healthcare provider about receiving the RSV vaccine through private purchase.

Speak with your health care provider or call the Renfrew County and District Health Unit Immunization Intake Line at 613-732-9436 if you have questions regarding eligibility.

Infants/High-Risk Children RSV Prevention

The infant and high-risk children RSV prevention program has commenced for the 2025-2026 season. During the active RSV season, monoclonal antibody immunization is funded for infants and children who meet the following criteria:

• infants born on or after April 1 and aged less than 8 months at the time of immunization
• children up to 24 months of age who meet the following high-risk criteria for severe RSV disease through their second RSV season:
  • chronic lung disease (CLD), including bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease
  • hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD)
  • severe immunodeficiency
  • Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21
  • cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement and/or growth delay
  • neuromuscular disease impairing clearing of respiratory secretions
  • severe congenital airway anomalies impairing the clearing of respiratory secretions

Additional information

• Ontario – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fact Sheet Older Adult High Risk
• Ontario – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• CHEO Fact Sheet – Bronchiolitis  
• CHEO Fact Sheet – What You Need to Know: Fever
• Caring for Kids – RSV 
• Government of Canada – Reduce the spread of respiratory viruses 

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at participating pharmacies, through health care providers, or at RCDHU.

Older Adult RSV is publicly funded for all adults 75 years of age and older through your health care provider or at an RCDHU clinic.

COVID-19, FLU, and Older Adult RSV clinics are mainly by appointment, limited walk-ins may be available.

Infants who are eligible for the RSV monoclonal antibody, can book appointment by contacting their health care provider or by calling RCDHU’s Immunization Intake Line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.

To book an appointment with RCDHU with our new online booking system, visit: Appointment Booking.

To find which pharmacies are offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines, visit: COVID-19 pharmacy vaccine locations.

To help make your visit to our immunization clinics as smooth and efficient as possible, we offer the option to download and print a consent form online before your appointment.

If you are receiving more than one vaccine, please complete a separate consent form for each vaccine you plan to receive.

While not mandatory, filling out the form in advance can help reduce wait times when your present to the clinic.

If you’d like to complete the form(s) ahead of time, download them here:

• COVID-19: Age 6 Months – 4 Years Consent Form
• COVID-19: Age 5-11 Consent Form
• COVID-19: 12 Years and Older Consent Form
• FLU: Consent Form
• Older Adult RSV: Consent Form

There will be printed copies at each clinic that you can also complete the forms when you arrive.

What is the ‘common cold’?

The ‘common cold’ is caused by viruses (germs) that infect the nose, throat and sinuses. Colds are most common in the fall and winter when people are indoors and in close contact with each other. Once you have had a cold virus, you become immune to that specific germ.

Symptoms

Typical cold symptoms include:

• runny or stuffed-up nose
• sneezing
• coughing
• headache
• mild sore throat
• loss of appetite
• fatigue (being tired)
• mild fever

Most coughs, earaches, sinus congestion and sore throats get better at home without antibiotics. Most of the symptoms will improve in 7 to 10 days. A cough can last up to three weeks.

How to treat the common cold at home

Symptoms can be relieved by:

• Getting lots of rest
• Drinking lots of fluids, like water
• Using an air humidifier
• Using over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and pain. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under six months old without first speaking to your health care provider. Never give aspirin to children. Consult your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines or if you have concerns about your child’s symptoms.

For additional tips on how to treat a child’s cold at home, visit CHEO’s Cough and Colds.

There is no vaccination available for the common cold.

Additional information

• Caring for Kids: Colds in Children
• CHEO: Cough and Colds
• CHEO: What you need to know – Fevers
• SickKids: Colds (Viral upper respiratory infections)
• Government of Canada: Reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses

If you or your child are in distress (significant trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, difficulty to rouse, confusion or have significant worsening of any chronic symptoms), go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 9-1-1.

• If your infant is younger than three months old and has a fever
• Very sleepy or difficult to wake
• Respiratory distress (working hard to breathe) pale skin or blue lips, asthma not responding to usual puffers
• Repeated vomiting and unable to keep any liquids down for eight hours or more
• Vomiting or diarrhea containing a large amount of blood
• Signs of dehydration with dry mouth or no urination for eight hours or more

For additional information, visit CHEO’s fact sheet: Deciding to come to the Emergency Department.

• Keep your vaccinations up to date, including your annual flu shot and the most recent COVID-19 vaccine you are eligible for
• Stay home when sick
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or use hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol, and avoid touching your face with unclean hands
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects frequently
• Wear a mask in indoor public settings to protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses
• To protect others at higher risk of severe respiratory illness
• When you’re recovering from illness
• When visiting a higher risk setting where masks are required, such as a hospital or long-term care home
• Improve indoor ventilation when possible by opening a window/door or using air filtration
• Pay attention to public health alerts and advice in your community

Most people who become ill with a respiratory virus experience mild symptoms, including:

• fever
• runny or stuffy nose
• cough
• sneezing
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches

Mild to moderate symptoms can be treated at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for pain, fever or cold and flu symptoms.

Do not give ibuprofen to babies under six months old without first speaking to your health care provider. Never give aspirin to children. Consult your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines or if you have concerns about your child’s symptoms.

If you’re worried about your symptoms or are at high risk for severe outcomes, go to your nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1.

Stay home until you are fever-free (without using fever-reducing medication AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea).

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.

Avoid visiting those at high-risk of severe illness including those in long-term care, retirement homes or in hospital.

Respiratory viruses mainly spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. They can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces, like a doorknob or toy with germs on it.