Cold, Flu and COVID-19 Resources

Influenza, also known as the flu is a respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. It’s spread by droplets made when those with the virus cough, sneeze or talk. Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu.

Like Influenza, Colds are also a respiratory illness. Cold symptoms are generally less severe and don't usually result in serious health problems. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.

If you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms, it is important that we keep others from getting sick. That means staying home, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, socialize outdoors if possible, wear a mask and frequently wash your hands.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Muscle aches and pain

Other symptoms include:

• Headache

• Chills

• Loss of appetite

• Feeling tired

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children

You can get the flu vaccine at:

• Your local pharmacy. Please contact to confirm availability.

• Your primary care provider (eg. family doctor or nurse practitioner). Please contact to confirm availability.

Additional resources and helpful guides:

• Flu (influenza) prevention and risks - Government of Canada

• Flu (influenza) fact sheet and symptoms

• Flu (influenza): For health professionals

• IPAC Canada - seasonal influenza, avian influenza and pandemic influenza information

• Respiratory Viruses: Information for Parents & Caregivers

If you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms, it is important that we keep others from getting sick. That means staying home, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, socialize outdoors if possible, wear a mask and frequently wash your hands.

Symptoms

If you have the symptoms of COVID-19 listed below, assume that you may have the virus and may be contagious.

Any one or more of:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Decreased or loss of taste or smell

Any two or more of:

• Runny nose or nasal congestion

• Headache

• Extreme fatigue

• Sore throat

• Muscle aches or join pains

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting or diarrhea)

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and self-isolate until all the following apply:

• Your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea)

• You do not have a fever

• You have not developed additional symptoms

Those at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization include:

• 65 years and older

• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges and other congregate living settings

• Pregnant individuals

• 18 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised

• Indigenous people and their non-indigenous household members 55 years and over

• Individuals aged 5 years and older who have not received a booster since September 1, 2022.

You can get your COVID-19 vaccination at:

• Your local pharmacy. Please contact to confirm availability.

• Your primary care provider (eg. family doctor or nurse practitioner). Please contact to confirm availability.

Additional resources and helpful guides:

• COVID-19 Testing

• COVID-19 Vaccines - City of Toronto

• CAMH Vaccine Resources

• Government of Canada Resources

• Mental Health Resources and COVID-19

• Respiratory Viruses: Information for Parents & Caregivers

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can affect individuals of all ages. It primarily affects the lungs and respiratory tract, causing symptoms ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory issues. RSV is highly contagious and is a significant cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children. However, it can also affect older children and adults.

Infants and Young Children:

• Mild Symptoms: Typically, RSV in infants might resemble a common cold, with symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever.

• Severe Symptoms: In more severe cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid breathing, and in some cases, bluish coloration around the mouth or fingernails due to lack of oxygen.

Symptoms in Adults:

• Mild to Moderate Symptoms: Adults infected with RSV often display symptoms akin to the common cold, such as congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headache, and fever.

• Severe Symptoms: In some cases, particularly in older adults or individuals with compromised immune systems, RSV can lead to more severe symptoms, including pneumonia or exacerbation of underlying respiratory conditions.

Additional Considerations:

Duration of Symptoms: RSV symptoms typically last for 1-2 weeks.

Vulnerability: Infants, particularly premature babies or those with pre-existing conditions, are at higher risk for severe complications due to RSV.

Transmission: RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

In most cases, RSV is a self-limiting illness, and supportive care is generally recommended. However, severe cases may require medical attention, especially in infants, older adults, or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Prevention involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping surfaces clean, especially in settings with infants or individuals vulnerable to severe infections. Vaccination is not yet widely available, but research for an RSV vaccine is ongoing. If you suspect RSV or if symptoms worsen, especially in infants or vulnerable individuals, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

Additional resources and helpful guides:

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) fact sheet

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Symptoms and treatment