As of October 1st 2024, public health units no longer distribute RAT kits to the public. 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.
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.
Older Adults RSV Prevention
Arexvy and Abrysvo® are vaccines approved by Health Canada for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in people 60 years of age and older.
Arexvy or Abrysvo® are given as a single dose and can be given along with other seasonal vaccines, such as COVID-19 and the flu shot.
Eligibility
Individuals 60 years of age and older who are:
- Living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges or retirement homes
- Hospitalized ALC patients
- Receiving dialysis
- Transplant recipients
- Experiencing homelessness
- Indigenous, including those in urban dwellings
If you are eligible for a publicly funded RSV vaccine, please get vaccinated as soon as possible. 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
Two new, safe and effective products to help prevent RSV infections in infants and young children are available in Ontario:
- Nirsevimab (Beyfortus™): a single dose monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunizing agent given to infants just prior to or during RSV season. It is the recommended product for infants as per National Advisory Committee Immunization (NACI) due to its effectiveness, long-lasting protection (up to 6 months), and positive safety profile.
- Abrysvo ® : a vaccine administered to pregnant individuals between 32 to 36 weeks gestational age. It provides antibody transfer in utero to protect newborns. It is available on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your health care provider.For the 2024/25 RSV season, Beyfortus™ will be the publicly funded monoclonal antibody product for eligible infants. Administration of both the Abrysvo ® vaccine to the pregnant individual and the Beyfortus™ monoclonal antibody to the infant is not needed except under specific circumstances. Speak with your health care provider for more information.
Eligibility
Any infant less than 8 months of age entering or born during their first RSV session living in Ontario and are:
- Born in 2024 prior to the RSV season
- Born during the 2024/25 RSV season
High-risk children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable from severe RSV disease through their second RSV season, with:
- Chronic lung disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Severe immunodeficiency
- Down syndrome/Trisomy 21
- Cystic fibrosis with respiratory involvement and/or growth delay
- Neuromuscular disease
- Severe congenital airway problems
Speak with your health care provider or call the Renfrew County and District Health Unit Immunization Intake Line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004 if you have questions regarding eligibility.
Where to get an RSV vaccine
Older Adults who are eligible to receive RSV vaccination can access the immunization:
- By contacting their Primary Care Provider (PCP)
- By making an appointment with RCDHU
Parents/guardians of infants or children who are eligible for RSV vaccination can access the immunization:
- At their birthing hospital, for infants born during the respiratory virus season
- By contacting their Primary Care Provider (PCP)
- By making an appointment with RCDHU
Eligible individuals or parents of eligible infants and children can schedule an appointment by calling RCDHU’s Immunization Intake Line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.
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 vaccine. It’s especially important for people at high risk of health complications from the flu, and for people who can spread the flu to them.
Flu vaccines are now available to anyone 6 months of age or older who live, work or attend school in Ontario through participating primary care providers, participating pharmacies and RCDHU community clinics.
For RCDHU clinic schedules, visit : COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule
For a list of those most at risk who should receive the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, please visit the Ministry of Ontario website
For any further questions, contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436.
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
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.
As of October 1st 2024, public health units no longer distribute RAT kits to the public. 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
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 vaccines are now available to anyone 6 months of age and older. COVID-19 vaccine can be administered when it has been at least 6 months (168 days) since the last COVID-19 vaccination or test-confirmed COVID-19 infection.
COVID-19 vaccines are available to those who are eligible through participating primary care providers, participating pharmacies and by appointment at RCDHU community clinics. Contact pharmacies in advance as appointments may be required.
To book a COVID-19 vaccine at one of RCDHU’s community clinics, click here or call 1-833-943-3900.
For any further questions, contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004.
For RCDHU clinic schedules, please visit : COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule
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