As children return to the classroom this fall, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is urging families to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. With the fall season approaching, the likelihood of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), increases. Ensuring your child’s health and safety is paramount, and OPH has shared crucial information to help keep your family healthy throughout the school year.

Preparing for Respiratory Illness Season

As we transition into the respiratory illness season, it’s important to take simple, yet effective, measures to protect yourself, your family, and others:

• Stay Home When Sick: If you or your child are unwell, stay home until you are fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours, or 48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace to reduce the spread of germs.
• Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Ensure your family’s vaccinations, including the annual flu shot and the updated COVID-19 vaccine, are current. OPH will provide updated vaccine availability information in the coming weeks.
• Avoid High-Risk Visits: Refrain from visiting individuals at high risk of severe illness, such as those in long-term care, retirement homes, or hospitals, when you are sick.
• Wear a Mask: Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, safeguard others who may be at higher risk, and during your recovery from an illness.

Stay informed about the local situation by using OPH’s monitoring indicators, updated weekly on their dashboard at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport, to assess your level of risk.

Routine Vaccinations: A Back-to-School Must

In Ontario, it’s mandatory for all children attending school to be vaccinated against certain diseases or have a valid exemption. Some vaccine-preventable diseases, like pertussis (whooping cough), have been circulating in the community and can be particularly severe. The start of the school year is the perfect time to ensure your child’s routine vaccines are up to date. This fall, OPH will be reviewing student immunization records and notifying parents and guardians of any missing information as required by the Immunization of Schools Pupils Act (ISPA).

For families facing challenges in accessing routine vaccinations, appointments can be made at the Kids Come First clinics. OPH also offers drop-in clinics at the Neighborhood Health and Wellness Hubs. Parents and caregivers can visit ParentingInOttawa.ca/Immunization for more details on routine vaccines, locations to receive them, and how to report vaccinations to OPH.

Stay Informed and Prepared

For the latest updates on respiratory illnesses, vaccines, and how to protect your family, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus. 

At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we understand the importance of keeping your family healthy as they head back to school. Be sure to consult with us for any vaccination needs, or advice on keeping your family safe during this respiratory illness season.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first. Full Disclaimer