YOUR HEALTHRespiratory Illness
Respiratory Illnesses
Common Symptoms:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Mild body aches
- Fever
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 28th, 2024.
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 519-355-1071 ext 5900
- Chatham-Kent Mobile Care Bus
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 will be available to the general public beginning on October 28th, 2024.
Where to get the vaccine
- Participating primary care providers
- Participating pharmacies (for individuals older than 5 years)
- CK Public Health - book online or call 519-355-1071 ext 5900
- Chatham-Kent Mobile Care Bus
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
Any infant less than 12 months old and:
- Born in 2024 before RSV season
- Born during the 2024-25 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 60 or older who are:
- Living in long-term care homes
- Living in elder care lodges
- Living in retirement homes
- Hospitalized with an alternate level of care
- Receiving dialysis
- Transplant recipients
- Experiencing homelessness
- Identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis
Where to get the vaccine
Infants
- After birth before being discharged from the hospital
- Your primary care provider
- CK Public Health - Call 519-355-1071 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 within their care location.
Other Eligible Older Adults
- Your primary care provider
- CK Public Health - call 519-355-1071 ext 5900
Adults aged 60 or older who are not eligible for the publicly funded vaccine may contact their healthcare provider or pharmacy for private purchase of a RSV vaccine.
Learn More
- 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 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
If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and are at high risk of developing complications, please contact your healthcare provider. You may be eligible for anti-viral treatment to reduce the severity of your illness.
Publicly Funded COVID-19 Testing
In June 2024, the provincial government ended its funding of free COVID-19 rapid tests for pharmacies and grocery stores. You are eligible for free PCR testing if you meet any of the testing eligibility set out by the province.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a publicly-funded test but would like to test at home, COVID-19 rapid tests are available to purchase from some pharmacies and online retailers.
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
- Dehydration with dry mouth or no urination for 8 hours or more
- An infant younger than 3 months has a fever