Sign up for the Unity Health Toronto newsletter, a monthly update on the latest news, stories, patient voices and research emailed directly to subscribers. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can do that by clicking here.

As we head into the fall and winter seasons, it is especially important to protect yourself and others from influenza, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and ongoing strains of COVID-19. Vaccination continues to be the best way for people to protect against severe illness from these respiratory illnesses. Protecting yourself and those around you remains an important way to keep everyone in the community safe.

Dr. Thomas Dashwood, Associate Medical Director, Infection, Prevention and Control at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, a site of Unity Health Toronto, shares his best advice for preparing yourself for respiratory illness season.

Dr. Thomas Dashwood
Dr. Thomas Dashwood

 What are best practices for staying safe from the flu?

The most important practices for staying safe from influenza (the flu) are to get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently throughout the day, and to stay home when you have symptoms that could be flu (such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing and fever). Consider wearing a mask, particularly when you are around a lot of people in enclosed spaces.

For children, it is also very important to get vaccinated. Children aged six months are older can safely receive the influenza vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines should also be considered for this group. Consult your family doctor and read the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s guidelines. 

How does the flu spread?

The flu spreads in ways similar to COVID-19: coughs, sneezes and when respiratory droplets of fluid containing flu are released into the air from talking. Less often, touching a surface with flu on it, and then touching your own nose, mouth or eyes may lead to an infection. Frequent hand washing can help to prevent this.

A recap of what can you do to stop the spread of infection

The following can help reduce the spread of the flu, COVID-19, cold viruses and other respiratory infections:

  1. Get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. Some adults should consider vaccination for RSV
  2. Stay home from work, social events and other group activities when you feel sick. Delay visits to relatives in care homes until after you have recovered from any respiratory illness.
  3. Wash your hands frequently with either alcohol based sanitizer or soap and water can be used, and make sure to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  4. Consider wearing a mask, particularly when around lots of people in enclosed spaces (the subway, malls, grocery stores, and when instructed to do so in healthcare settings).

When should I get vaccinated for the flu and COVID this fall?

Get vaccinated as early as possible. Updates about how you can get an influenza vaccine can be found on the Toronto Public Health website. The first supplies of the vaccine may be prioritized for individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting influenza, or who work with individuals who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, are rolling out now. In general, if you haven’t had a COVID-19 infection or booster shot in the past six months, you should consider getting vaccinated.

Who has access to the RSV vaccine?

The RSV vaccine is available, but there is very limited supply. This vaccine is currently being distributed to priority populations in long-term care homes. Talk to your doctor about availability for your age group.

Q: Can I receive my flu vaccine and COVID vaccine at the same time?

Yes. We encourage getting both vaccines at the same time. It is safe to do so, and much easier to do in one visit.

Check out these resources for more information about the flu and COVID-19 vaccines: