Local health unit says respiratory illnesses season has arrived

By Lee Griffi

The sick season is upon us.

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) says COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses are circulating in the area. Since the end of August, five respiratory illness outbreaks have been reported at long-term care homes in Huron and Perth counties.

“The best way to avoid and minimize respiratory illnesses is with immunization,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, medical officer of health at HPPH.

“It is very important to stay up to date on the vaccines you are eligible for to protect yourself and those around you. Immunization is safe and effective.”

All Ontario residents six months of age and older are eligible to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, while select high-risk groups are eligible for RSV immunization.

Long-term care and retirement homes are required to follow provincial outbreak prevention and management guidance. When an outbreak is identified, homes work with public health to implement measures aimed at reducing transmission and protecting residents.

Those measures can include enhanced screening, the use of personal protective equipment, increased cleaning and disinfection, testing, cohorting ill residents and restrictions on some activities.

“Visitor access may be modified during an outbreak depending on the circumstances and the level of risk; however, homes must also consider the importance of resident wellbeing and essential caregivers when implementing restrictions,” Klassen said.

Several factors can contribute to earlier transmission, including increased indoor gatherings as cooler weather arrives, the introduction of viruses into congregate settings and seasonal changes that support the spread of respiratory infections, she said.

“Ongoing surveillance will help us better understand how the season continues to develop. Public health continues to monitor respiratory illness activity and work closely with care homes to prevent and manage outbreaks.”

Klassen noted that Ontario’s influenza and COVID-19 immunization programs are just beginning, and population immunity builds over time as more people are vaccinated.

“This may contribute to early activity being observed before immunization coverage reaches its peak,” she said. “Older adults and those at higher risk of severe illness are encouraged to get immunized now.”

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available to the general public beginning Oct. 26 through participating pharmacies and primary care providers in Huron and Perth.

Many seniors have underlying medical conditions, including heart and lung disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems, that can increase their risk of complications from respiratory infections.

“In long-term care and retirement homes, residents often live in close contact with one another and participate in shared activities, making it easier for respiratory viruses to spread,” Klassen said. “Even infections that are mild for younger, healthy individuals can result in hospitalization or serious complications for older adults.”

She also urged people to stay home when they are sick to avoid spreading illness.

People should wait to visit loved ones until their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours, or 48 hours in cases involving vomiting or diarrhea, and they are no longer experiencing a fever.

Vaccination programs

Free influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are being offered in phases, beginning with high-risk and priority groups. These include hospitalized patients, people aged 65 and older, residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings, and pregnant individuals.

Beginning Oct. 26, anyone six months of age and older who lives, works or attends school in Ontario can receive a free COVID-19 or influenza vaccine through participating primary care providers and pharmacies.

The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered at the same time.

As of Oct. 1, eligible infants, high-risk children and individuals between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant can receive publicly funded RSV immunization. Those who are eligible should speak with a health-care provider.

All adults aged 75 and older, as well as high-risk adults aged 60 to 74, are eligible for the publicly funded RSV vaccine. Eligible adults can receive the RSV vaccine at any time of year and should contact their primary care provider. The program is not available through pharmacies.

HPPH is also encouraging residents to take other steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illness, including:

Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Staying home when sick until symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours – or 48 hours when vomiting or diarrhea is involved – and there is no fever.

Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the arm.

Wearing a mask when appropriate.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and light switches.

Improving indoor ventilation, such as by opening a window.

To learn more about how to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including information about immunizations, visit www.hpph.ca/illness.