Influenza, COVID-19 & RSV Vaccine: Information & Resources

Influenza or “the flu” is not just a seasonal nuisance—it is a serious, contagious respiratory virus that causes symptoms like fever, cough, muscle aches, and tiredness. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. By practicing good hygiene and getting your annual flu shot, you are not only protecting yourself but also safeguarding your family, friends, and community. Together, we can stop the spread.”

COVID-19 has not gone away – it is an illness caused by a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or, more commonly, SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads through the air in tiny droplets of fluid. Symptoms can include dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, digestive upset, headaches, fever, chills, congestion, sore throat, and muscle aches. Many people with COVID-19 have mild illness or no symptoms. But for older adults and people with certain medical conditions, COVID-19 can lead to the need for care in the hospital or death. Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine is important because protection decreases with time, immunity decreases with time, and it helps prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death. Also practicing physical distancing, wearing a mask, good hygiene and good indoor airflow helps protect against the virus.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms.  It is highly contagious and spreads through droplets from an infected person’s cough and sneezes, close contact or touching contaminated surfaces. For most people, the illness is not serious, but it can be severe or even life-threatening for infants, young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems or chronic lung or heart disease. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, decreased appetite and energy, and wheezing.  Getting the vaccine reduces the risk of lower respiratory tract disease which can lead to hospitalization and complications like pneumonia. Healthy habits include good hand hygiene, cover coughs/sneezes, and avoid close contact when sick.

References: Toronto Public Health | Public Health Ontario