General News

Health Unit urges residents to protect themselves during respiratory virus season

November 6, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

As the fall season begins, cases of common colds, COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and other respiratory viruses are beginning to increase.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is urging residents to get immunized for flu and COVID-19.

These free vaccines are available starting Monday, Oct. 27, at participating local pharmacies and some health care providers.

Getting immunized early in the season helps maximize your protection against serious illness, especially during the winter months when respiratory viruses circulate the most.

Young children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of serious illness from these respiratory viruses.

Along with getting immunized, there are simple and effective steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you, such as:

• Staying home if you’re feeling unwell with any symptoms of a respiratory illness. This includes keeping children home from school or child care if they are sick.
• Avoid non-essential visits to hospitals, long-term care homes, or retirement residences if you are not feeling well.
• Wash your hands frequently and clean high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Consider wearing a well-fitted medical mask in indoor public spaces, especially if you are at higher risk of severe illness.
• If you are sick, wear a mask in all public settings for ten days after your symptoms begin. Note, masks are not recommended for children under two years of age.
• Parents and caregivers of children 6 months to 5 years old who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, or who cannot find a local pharmacy to provide the flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine, may make an appointment at one of the health unit’s immunization clinics.
• The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is also available this season for older adults 75 years and older and for some adults 60 through 74 years of age who meet specific high-risk criteria and have not received the vaccine before.
• The Health Unit provides information on weekly local respiratory virus activity on its website. 

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