YOUR HEALTHRespiratory Illness
Respiratory Illnesses
Cold
A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Colds are caused by multiple viruses. Colds are typically mild and are very common.
Common Symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Mild body aches
- Fever
Flu
Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Flu symptoms can be severe. Older adults very young children, and people with underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe flu symptoms.
Common Symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (this is more common in children than adults)
Additional Symptoms for Children:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Not eating or drinking as usual
- Irritable
Who is Eligible and When?
- All individuals aged 6 months or older are recommended to get the flu shot.
- Flu vaccine will be available to the general public beginning on October 27th, 2025.
Where to Get the Vaccine
- Your primary care provider
- Participating pharmacies (for individuals older than 2 years)
- Participating walk-in clinics
- CK Public Health - call 519-352-7270 ext 5900
- Chatham-Kent Mobile Care Bus
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms can range from very mild to very severe. Symptoms of COVID-19 can last for more than 12 weeks after infection (“long COVID”). People with underlying conditions like asthma, lung disease, or weakened immune systems are at particular risk of severe symptoms.
Common Symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
Who is Eligible and When?
- All individuals aged 6 months or older are recommended to get a COVID-19 shot.
- COVID-19 vaccine is available now for the general public.
Where to Get the Vaccine
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. Anyone can get RSV, but it can be severe in infants and older adults. People with underlying conditions like asthma, lung disease, or weakened immune systems are at particular risk of severe symptoms.
Common Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Tiredness
Additional Symptoms for Children:
- Not eating or drinking as usual
- Irritable
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased activity
Who is Eligible and When?
Infants
- Infants born April 1, 2025 or after and less than 8 months of age up to the end of the RSV season.
- Children up to 24 months who meet specific high-risk criteria identified by their health care provider.
Pregnant Individuals
- 32 to 36 weeks pregnant who will deliver during the RSV season
Older Adults
- Individuals aged 75 and older
- Individuals aged 60 years and older who also meet high-risk criteria:
- Residents of long-term care homes, elder care lodges and retirement homes
- Hospitalized with an alternate level of care
- Receiving dialysis
- Transplant recipients
- Experiencing homelessness
- Identifying as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis
Where to get the vaccine
Infants
- After birth and before being discharged from the hospital
- Your primary care provider
- CK Public Health (only if you do not have a health care provider) - Call 519-352-7270 ext 5900
Pregnant Individuals
- Consult your healthcare provider.
Older Adults
- Residents of Ontario long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and retirement homes will be offered a free RSV vaccine at their care location.
Other Eligible Older Adults
- Your primary care provider
- CK Public Health (only if you do not have a primary health care provider) - call 519-352-7270 ext 5900
Adults who are not Eligible for the Publicly Funded Vaccine
- Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy for private purchase of an RSV vaccine.
Learn More
Protect Yourself & Others
- Keep your vaccinations up to date, including your annual flu shot and COVID-19 boosters
- Wash your hands well and often
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others from viral illness
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home, including:
- Cell phones and tablets
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Counter tops
Treatment Options
Treatment of viral illness means managing symptoms. In some cases, an anti-viral medication may be prescribed to you if you are severely ill or at high risk for complications.
If you feel unwell:
- Stay home to reduce the risk of getting others sick
- Get lots of rest
- Drink lots of fluids
- Talk to your pharmacist about managing symptoms with over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco
Call your healthcare provider if:
- You don’t start to feel better after a few days
- Your symptoms get worse
- You are in a high-risk group
People at Higher Risk from Respiratory Illness
Some people are more likely to get very sick from respiratory illnesses. These people can include:
- Infants and young children
- People who are pregnant
- People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
- People with weaker immune systems
- Older adults
If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and are at higher risk, please talk to your healthcare provider. You might be able to get medicine that can help you feel better and stop the illness from getting worse.
Free COVID-19 Testing
As of June 2024, the government stopped paying for free COVID-19 rapid tests at pharmacies and grocery stores. You can still get a free PCR test if you meet the testing eligibility made by the province.
If you don't qualify but still want to test at home, you can buy COVID-19 rapid tests at some pharmacies or online.
When to go to the Emergency Room
If you or someone you are caring for is in distress or experiencing any of the following symptoms, please go to the emergency room or call 911:
- Very sleepy or difficult to wake
- Trouble breathing
- Fainting
- Repeated vomiting and unable to keep liquids down for more than 8 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea with blood
- Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or no urination for 8 hours or more
- An infant younger than 3 months with a fever