Protect Yourself From Respiratory Illness This Holiday Season

by Bob Montgomery

Winter has arrived in most of Midwestern Ontario. Some of us are happy about that, others not so much.

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is reminding all of us that the flu has also arrived. They recently received notice of the first lab-confirmed influenza case for the 2024-2025 season in Huron and Perth. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae continue to circulate in Huron and Perth counties. They urge residents to protect themselves and others from illness, especially during the holidays when more group gatherings are held.

“Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of respiratory illness,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health at HPPH. “Using multiple layers of protection will reduce your risk of spreading or developing respiratory illnesses, including those caused by M. pneumoniae and other pathogens such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV.”

Respiratory illness is spread from respiratory droplets that come out of your nose and mouth when you cough, sneeze, breathe or talk. Close contact with someone who is sick, or touching a surface or object with a virus or bacteria on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes, increases your risk of illness. 

The following measures can help protect you and others from respiratory illness this season: 

• Wash or sanitize hands often

• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm (not your hands) or with a tissue

• Wear a mask in indoor public settings or in crowded spaces

• Practice physical distancing 

• Spend time outdoors or in well ventilated indoor spaces when possible

• Stay home when sick, and do not go out in public until symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).

• Wear a mask for 10 days following the onset of illness to prevent further spread. In addition, for 10 days following the onset of illness, avoid visiting people at higher risk of severe illness such as those in long-term care or hospital.

• Get vaccines recommended for your age and health status, including seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines

• Create a plan with your healthcare provider to access antiviral medications for those with chronic health conditions that put you at higher risk for complications and hospitalization.

• Seek medical care if you develop worrisome new symptoms such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, or if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening despite treatment.

Common seasonal respiratory viruses may not require medical assessment or specific treatments like antibiotics. However, those with pre-existing chronic health conditions may be at higher risk of more severe disease. Seek medical care if you or your child has severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms, especially if you or they might be at higher risk of developing severe disease. 

More information can be found by call Huron Perth Public Health at 1-888-221-2133 or visiting www.hpph.ca.