Respiratory illnesses will continue to circulate in our community. For an overview of the current respiratory illness season in Renfrew County and District, please visit:
Everyone is at risk of getting sick from respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The following webpage provides important information and resources for residents to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and manage their symptoms.
Visit RCDHU’s fact sheet:
- About Respiratory Illness (English)
- À Propos des Maladies Respiratoires (French)
When to go to the Emergency Department
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.
Reducing the spread of respiratory illness
- 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
For RCDHU’s fall vaccine clinic schedule, visit: COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics.
Symptoms and treatment
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.
What to do if you have symptoms
- 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.
How respiratory viruses spread
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.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
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.
Vaccination
Ontario is launching an Older Adult High Risk RSV Vaccine Program and a Infant and High Risk Children Vaccine Program for Fall 2024/2025.
For eligibility and more information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health RSV webpage or call Renfrew County and District Health Unit Immunization Intake Line at 613-732-9436.
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
Influenza (Flu)
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
Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot. It’s especially important for people at high risk of health complications from the flu and COVID-19, and for people who can spread the flu to them.
More information on where to access a flu vaccine will be provided shortly.
For any further questions, contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436 for further assistance.
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
- Ministry of Ontario: Flu Facts
COVID-19
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.
Vaccination
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. COVID-19 vaccines are available to everybody aged six months and older in Ontario.
This fall, COVID-19 vaccines will be available to everybody aged 6 months and older in Ontario at no cost, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, even if you do not have an Ontario health card. More information on where to access a COVID-19 vaccine will be provided shortly.
For any further questions contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436 for further assistance.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit:
- RCDHU: COVID-19 Vaccination Information
- Ontario: COVID-19 vaccines
Additional information
- Ontario: COVID-19 Health Advice
- Ontario: COVID-19 Vaccines
- RCDHU: COVID-19 Information and Resources
- RCDHU: COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Common Cold
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