Respiratory illness season is here, with COVID, influenza and many other respiratory viruses circulating.
Huron Perth and area community healthcare providers want everyone to get through the respiratory illness season as safely as possible. Here are some quick tips to be as healthy as possible in the months ahead.
Reduce the chances of kids getting sick
Take the following actions to reduce the chances of you or your children getting sick:
- wash hands
- stay home when sick
- stay up to date on vaccinations
- cover coughs and sneezes and mask when needed
- clean and disinfect surfaces
- improve indoor ventilation
More information on how to do the above actions can be found at www.hpph.ca/illness. Visit www.hpph.ca/getvaccinated for the latest vaccination opportunities.
Manage illness at home
Most respiratory illnesses in children, including colds, influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19, can be managed at home without the need for prescription medications. However, in some cases, it is important to seek medical care. (Source: Ontario College of Family Physicians). Please also see this handout Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms. You can also refer to this handout in other languages.
How to access virtual care
Health811 is an easy way to get connected to the care you or your loved ones need and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room. Connect with a registered nurse seven days a week, day or night, through online chat at https://health811.ontario.ca/ or by calling 811 (Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-0007). You can also use 811’s online symptom checker.
In a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
