Reduce the spread of respiratory viruses
Respiratory viruses increase in the fall and winter. Using several layers of protection helps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading infection.
On this page
- About respiratory viruses
- Who is at high risk
- Preventing the spread
- Getting vaccinated
- What to do if you become ill
About respiratory viruses
While respiratory infections occur year round, there's a significant increase in the fall and winter months when people spend more time inside. This means several respiratory viruses are commonly circulating at the same time, including:
Our health care system may experience strain with the increased circulation of respiratory viruses and shortage of health care workers.
Who is at high risk
Everyone is at risk of getting sick from respiratory viruses. Some people are at risk of experiencing more serious complications if they:
- are children under 5 years of age
- are older adults who are 65 years and older
- have chronic medical conditions
- are pregnant
- are immunocompromised
Preventing the spread
Respiratory viruses spread in several ways. For example, a respiratory virus can spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or it can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. That's why using several layers of protection is the most effective way to help reduce your risk of getting and spreading viruses.
It's important to:
- get your annual flu shot
- stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations
- stay home when sick
- wear a well-constructed, well-fitting respirator or mask in public indoor settings, especially if the settings are crowded or poorly ventilated
- improve indoor ventilation when possible by opening a window or a door
- 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
- cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the bend of your arm
- clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects frequently
- pay attention to public health alerts and advice in your community
By reducing the spread of these viruses, we help:
- protect ourselves and others, including people who are at risk of more serious complications from infection
- decrease pressure on the healthcare system
Learn more about:
- COVID-19: Prevention and risks
- Flu: Prevention and risks
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Prevention and risks
- Hand washing and staying healthy
- COVID-19: Cleaning and disinfecting
- Use household chemicals safely
- COVID-19 and Indigenous communities
- Seasonal flu and the flu shot for Indigenous communities
Getting vaccinated
One of the most effective ways to help protect yourself from becoming severely sick is to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu (influenza) vaccine. The COVID-19 and flu (influenza) vaccines are available for those 6 months of age or older and both vaccines can be given at the same time.
If you or your infant are at high risk of severe outcomes, talk to your health care provider. It's recommended that you discuss protective options for RSV that may be available.
Learn more about:
- COVID-19: Book a vaccination appointment
- Get your flu shot
- An Adult's Guide to Vaccination
- A Teen's Guide to Vaccination
- Vaccine safety and possible side effects
What to do if you become ill
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 with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications for pain, fever or cold and flu symptoms.
If you're worried about your symptoms or are at high risk for severe outcomes, consult your health care provider. They may prescribe treatments, or recommend steps or medications you can take.
Learn more about:
- COVID-19 treatments
- Using medications safely
- Acetaminophen and children
- Medication and children under 6
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