As the holiday season approaches, and we gather more in interior spaces, the rates of respiratory illness, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are anticipated to rise in our region and throughout Ontario.
To minimize the impact of respiratory illness in our region, Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (OHT-N) partners are once again joining forces with a collective ‘call to action’ to help all—patients, caregivers, and providers alike—manage cold and flu season.
The OHT-N call to action has three simple goals:
- Remind everyone of the steps we can take, as individuals, to minimize our risk of getting sick this season (and inadvertently spreading viruses to others this season);
- Promote additional resources available—beyond primary care offices and the nearest hospital—if we are sick or caring for someone who is sick; and
- Help raise awareness of the rising rates of respiratory illness in our community.
Respiratory disease in Northumberland - What the data are telling us
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU)’s Respiratory Infections Dashboard shares updates on the local rates of respiratory illness, including weekly emergency department visits, hospitalizations and outbreaks including COVID-19, influenza and RSV to support data-driven decisions for community health and well-being.
“Let’s all continue to protect ourselves and our community by staying up to date on our vaccinations, which include influenza, COVID-19 and RSV,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at local pharmacies and primary care teams. By doing so, we are ensuring our critical health care services are there for those who need them most.”
Check to protect - Simple steps we can take now to minimize the chances of serious illness and community spread of respiratory illness:
- Make sure you and your family members’ COVID vaccinations are up to date, meaning you have completed your primary series and, for those 5 years of age and older, you have received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last six months of your last dose or infection. COVID-19 vaccinations can be booked locally through the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit https://www.hkpr.on.ca/ or call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1507. Many pharmacies and some primary care offices continue to offer COVID vaccinations. Learn more about vaccines and where to get vaccinated here: www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines
- Get a flu shot. Flu shots are given to those aged 6 months and older. Learn more about where to get a flu shot in Northumberland County on the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit's website here.
- If you or someone you know is a high-risk older adult (60 and up), get the RSV vaccination. Click here to learn more about eligibility or contact the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1507.
- Wear a mask when indoors in crowded public spaces and physical distancing cannot be maintained or if you are feeling unwell – masking is not currently mandatory in most areas of Northumberland County, but it is a small gesture that is known to have a big impact on stopping the spread of germs. Surgical masks should be properly worn, covering the nose and mouth.
- Screen for respiratory symptoms daily and stay home if you are ill. What feels like a minor cold to you could be serious if transmitted to someone else.
- Wash your hands often, particularly when out in public. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
What to do if you catch a respiratory illness, or if you are a care provider for someone who is sick
Mild symptoms? Most of us with respiratory symptoms—whether from flu, COVID, RSV or other respiratory infections—will recover on our own and will not require prescription medications. Self-isolate and rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as able and as needed and directed on the manufacturer’s instructions for fever or muscle aches.
Child with a fever? Information for families and caregivers on children’s fever and pain medication is a combined effort between the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Canadian Pharmacists Association and four Canadian children’s hospitals. It contains helpful information on fevers and the use of over-the-counter medication. Find it online here.
When to see a doctor or Nurse Practitioner? There are special considerations for respiratory illness in children. Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms is an excellent resource for answering many common questions – including when to call the doctor or NP’s office. Find it online here. A virtual appointment may be offered in some instances. This is one-way primary care providers can determine if you need to be seen in person.
When to call 911 or go to the Emergency Department? Emergency Departments (EDs) are very busy places but, in some circumstances, the ED is the only option available for accessing urgent care quickly. Some examples of when you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department: if you are worried that you or someone you are caring for is seriously ill; if your infant, younger than three months old, has a fever; if your child is struggling to breathe or is breathing faster than normal; if you are concerned about the risk of dehydration.
Be aware of other local options for care, outside of the Emergency Department, and hours of operation
- Get free telephone access to a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Telehealth Ontario service at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1-866-797-0007)
- Visit the York Super IDA Pharmacy’s new walk-in clinic located at 500 Division Street, Cobourg, inside York Super Pharmacy. Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Call (905) 372-7171 for additional information.
- Visit the Port Hope Walk-in Clinic. To learn more about hours of operation or how to book an appointment, please see: Northumberland.ca/PortHopeClinic
- For Colborne residents - Contact the Colborne Rural Outreach Clinic - Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (ohtnorthumberland.ca) - open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed over lunch hour), this clinic offers in-person primary care support from a Nurse Practitioner for those who do not currently have a local primary care provider, or those who may need specific temporary support closer to home
- Contact a care provider with the East Region Virtual Care Clinic, open seven days a week from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. To make an appointment, please visit: https://www.virtualcareontario.ca/
- Check the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Your Health Care Options website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/your-health for information on these and other health-care services in your area
The best gift we can all give to one another and all health care providers this holiday season is to ensure we take action, where it is in our control, to minimize the risk of contracting a respiratory illness. Prevention, and response, is a shared responsibility.
For the sake of the most vulnerable among us—the very young, older individuals, and those whose health is already challenged by chronic health conditions, precarious housing situations or both—we must each continue to do everything in our power to protect our whole community by preserving health care resources for those who need them most.