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) infects the lungs and airways. It causes colds and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in young infants and toddlers. Most children will have at least one RSV infection by the age of two. The infection is most severe in young babies and older adults and can cause serious lung infections that may require hospitalization. However, most infants and children infected by RSV typically experience mild symptoms that last a few days. Older children and adults also get RSV but symptoms are typically mild, similar to a common cold.
After exposure to the virus, it can take two to eight days before children become sick and are contagious for up to three to eight days. Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or childcare centers, and can then transmit the virus to other members of the family.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- coughing
- runny nose
- sneezing
- wheezing
- fever
- decrease in appetite and energy
- irritability
How to treat RSV at home
Usually, RSV infections are mild and clear up on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.
If you or your child become sick:
- Offer plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If your baby is having trouble drinking, try to clear nasal congestion with a bulb syringe or saline nose drops.
- Get lots of rest
- Use 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.
- A lukewarm bath or wet face cloth may help your child feel more comfortable. Avoid cold baths because they can make your child shiver, raising their temperature.
- Dress your child in light clothing. If your child starts to shiver, add warmer clothing and remove them when the shivering stops.
- Consult your health care provider before giving your child non-prescription cold medicines or if you have concerns about your child’s symptoms.
- If your child has symptoms, talk to their health care provider and give them medications as directed.
Vaccination
Ontario is launching a high-risk targeted RSV prevention program for individuals 60 years and older living in long-term care homes, including Elder Care Lodges, and retirement homes licensed to provide dementia care.
Individuals 60 years and older in the following populations are now be eligible for the program:
- Hospital ALC patients
- Dialysis patients
- Transplant recipients
- Homeless individuals
- Indigenous individuals, including urban dwelling
For further questions, or to find out if you are eligible to receive the RSV vaccine at a clinic hosted by RCDHU, contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436 for further assistance.
For more information visit the Ontario Ministry of Health RSV webpage.
Additional information
- Ontario – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fact Sheet
- 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
How to treat the flu at home
Flu symptoms can be treated with:
- Rest
- Drinking fluids, like water
- 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.
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.
Flu vaccine is accessible through participating primary care providers and pharmacies.
Please contact your pharmacy or primary care provider ahead of time to inquire if they offer flu vaccines. For any further questions, or if you are unable to receive a flu vaccine through your health care provider or pharmacy, contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436 for further assistance.
Additional information
- RCDHU: COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics
- 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
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
How to treat COVID-19 at home
Adults and children with mild COVID-19 symptoms can stay at home while recovering.
Symptoms can be treated by:
- Getting rest
- Drinking plenty of fluids, like water
- 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.
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.
COVID-19 vaccine is accessible through participating primary care providers and pharmacies.
Please contact your pharmacy or primary care provider ahead of time to inquire if they offer COVID-19 vaccines. For any further questions, or if you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through your health care provider or pharmacy, 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