The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit is encouraging residents to keep themselves and others healthy during respiratory illness season by staying current with their vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shots.
“By doing so, we are ensuring our critical health care services are there for those who need them most,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health and CEO for the HKPR District Health Unit.
In early October, flu shots will be available for the most vulnerable and high priority populations, including those hospitalized, health care workers, and residents in long-term care and retirement homes, other congregate settings, and people aged 65 and older. Free flu shots for the public will be available starting October 28 through participating local pharmacies and primary care teams.
Also beginning in October, families with infants born in 2024 and high-risk children up to 24 months old will now have access to RSV immunization at health care providers through the publicly funded RSV prevention program. Pregnant women will also have the option to receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine that can provide protection for their infant from birth to six months of age.
The RSV prevention program has also been expanded this fall to include adults aged 60 years and older who meet also meet certain criteria, such as being residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes. More information on eligibility is available at ontario.ca/rsv.
The HKPR District Health Unit will be providing the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines only to eligible children six months to five years of age starting in November. To book an appointment, call the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1507.
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, information from the provincial health ministry states.
Symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the cold or flu. They include coughing, a runny nose, fever, wheezing, a decrease in appetite and energy, and 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,” the ministry recommends.
RSV is very contagious and spreads the same way as other respiratory viruses: by touching droplets containing the virus after someone coughs or sneezes, or by being less than two metres apart from someone with the infection who is coughing or sneezing
After exposure to the virus, it can take two to eight days before a person becomes sick. People are usually 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 child care centres, and can then transmit the virus to other members of the family.
The HKPR District Health Unit offers the following suggestions to reduce transmission of respiratory illnesses during the holiday season.
- Stay up to date with immunizations, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV (if eligible).
- Skip the holiday party if you’re not feeling well and stay home while sick.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces and when recovering from illness. If recovering from illness, wear a mask for 10 days after the symptoms started.
- Wash your hands often and clean high-touch surfaces frequently. If hosting or attending a holiday gathering, clean high-touch surfaces and encourage guests to wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
Ontario offers access to antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, through physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists, with virtual care options available through Health811.
