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.
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Current situation
The 2022 to 2023 respiratory virus season started earlier than usual. As typical, several respiratory viruses are currently circulating at the same time, including:
Some factors that may contribute to an increase in infectious respiratory illnesses include:
- easing of many community-based measures used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (such as lockdowns, gatherings restrictions or mask mandates)
- more people are susceptible to infection because of lower circulation of viruses like RSV and flu (influenza) during the COVID-19 pandemic
- more individuals moving into indoor settings due to colder weather
- decreased use of personal preventive practices
There's also a shortage of acetaminophen and ibuprofen products for infants and children across Canada. Health Canada continues to work with the suppliers of these drugs to increase the products available in the Canadian market. We've also provided access to approved products that have been imported from other countries.
Our health care system is under strain with the increased circulation of respiratory viruses, shortage of health care workers and pressure from the ongoing response to the pandemic.
Learn more about:
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 (not for COVID-19)
- 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
- properly wear a well-constructed, well-fitting 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
- COVID-19 mask use: Advice for community settings
- COVID-19: Improving indoor ventilation
- Hand washing and staying healthy
- Reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands infographic
- COVID-19: Cleaning and disinfecting
- Use household chemicals safely
- COVID-19: Improving indoor ventilation
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.
There's no approved vaccine for RSV yet.
Learn more about:
- COVID-19: Book a vaccination appointment
- Get your flu shot
- Vaccine safety and possible side effects
- Vaccine for children: Deciding to vaccinate
- Vaccination for adults
- Immunization and vaccine awareness poster: Vaccine safety
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