As many families gather for Thanksgiving, Huron Perth Public Health is offering up ways to protect against sharing more than just turkey and stuffing.
This is the time of year the transmission of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), increases dramatically. In order to help adults and children from getting sick, public health officials are advising to frequently wash hands, regularly disinfect surfaces, stay up-to-date on vaccinations, cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands, and wear a mask when needed.
The health unit added that people who are already not feeling well should stay home to help prevent community spread.
"Most respiratory illness in children, including colds, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications," the health unit said in a statement.
When parents should call their family doctor or head to a walk-in clinic is if their child has had a fever for more than 72 hours, had a fever that went away for a day and then came back, had an earache for more than 48 hours, or isn't eating or drinking. The health unit adds that parents should call 911 or go straight to the emergency room if they are worried their child is seriously ill, is struggling to breathe or has breathing that is faster than normal, or is under the age of three-months with a fever.
People across Ontario can also connect with a registered nurse virtually seven days a week, day or night through Health811. The service is available free of charge online at https://health811.ontario.ca/ or by calling 1-866-797-0007) or dialing 811.
"Health 811 is a valuable resource to help you determine if and when you need to reach out to your health care provider," the health unit said.
As of early this month, flu shots and the new RSV immunization became available for the mom vulnerable and high priority populations. For the flu shot that includes those hospitalized, hospital staff, long-term care home residents and staff, people living in retirement homes, and seniors. For the RSV vaccine, families with infants and high-risk children up to 24-months-old are currently eligible.
Free flu shots for the general public - anyone six-months and older - will be available starting on October 28. Health officials have stressed that it is safe to get both the flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. The vaccines will be available at doctor's offices and local pharmacies.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization previously said that people should get the most recent formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine in the fall to provide a better immune response against currently circulating COVID-19 strains. The initial doses of the latest COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada will be prioritized for people considered higher risk. The provincial government has not yet provided details on when the general population can receive the shot.
