Staying healthy during respiratory virus season
As the fall weather arrives, many extracurricular activities resume and more gatherings move indoors, giving respiratory viruses more opportunities to spread. Influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are among the illnesses that commonly circulate more widely during the fall and winter months.
With more time spent indoors and in close contact with others, families, workplaces and communities can take simple steps to reduce the spread of respiratory infections and protect those who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.
There are hundreds of respiratory viruses, ranging from those that cause the common cold to illnesses that can lead to more serious conditions, including croup and viral pneumonia. These viruses can spread through respiratory droplets and particles released when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, particularly during close contact. They can also spread when people touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
The Markham Review reached out to Dr. Sales to learn more about the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses and what local families can do to help protect themselves and others.
“This seasonal increase makes it especially important to take preventive measures such as vaccination before illness activity rises more broadly in the community, when vaccines are available for Influenza (Flu), COVID-19 and RSV, and to use other prevention methods through the year such as handwashing,” said Dr. Sales.
She explains that the most effective approach for families and workplaces is to layer several prevention strategies rather than relying on a single measure.
“This includes staying up to date on recommended vaccinations (Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV); washing hands regularly; covering coughs and sneezes then washing hands; staying home when sick; cleaning frequently touched surfaces; wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor settings; and improving indoor ventilation,” Dr. Sales said.
“No measure is perfect on its own, but together they offer a greater chance of protection against respiratory infections to decrease the number and severity of such infections through the season. Unfortunately, odds are that one will catch some respiratory virus in the next few months, though with hopefully a mild illness.”
Common symptoms of respiratory infections can include a sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, tiredness and body aches. Because influenza, COVID-19 and RSV can cause similar symptoms, it can be difficult to determine which virus is responsible based on symptoms alone.
For many people, mild respiratory illnesses can be managed at home with rest, fluids and supportive care.
“Most mild illnesses can be managed at home with rest and taking a variety of fluids (including soups and smoothies when one is not hungry); saline nose sprays can help especially if used a few times a day and at bedtime; elevating the chest and head with pillows can help for cough at night; those with a history of asthma should start puffers early in the illness,” Dr. Sales said.
However, she advises people to seek medical attention when symptoms are severe or getting worse.
“People should seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or worsening, if a fever lasts three or more days, if they get shaking chills, if they experience shortness of breath or chest pain, or if they are unable to stay hydrated,” said Dr. Sales.
Even a mild respiratory illness can have an impact beyond the person who is sick. Someone with mild symptoms may still be able to spread the virus to others, including people at greater risk of severe disease.
Another misconception is that mild illness is not worth taking seriously.
“It can impact daily activities plans for gatherings as even mild infections can spread to others who may be at higher risk of severe disease, including babies, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised or have underlying lung or heart disease,” Dr. Sales said.
She also emphasized that antibiotics are not a treatment for viral infections.
“People should also remember that most viral respiratory illnesses do not require medication. Antibiotics do not help for viral infections. Most viral respiratory infections improve with rest, hydration, and supportive care. Except for Influenza and COVID, there are no medications for viral respiratory infections.”
For people with underlying health conditions who may be at greater risk of complications, prevention and early medical advice are particularly important.
“For those who have underlying diseases and are at risk of severe disease, vaccinations are essential as soon as they are available and it is worth discussing with their doctor when they should be checked if they get sick to prevent complications,” Dr. Sales said.
While antibiotics do not treat viral infections, they may be needed when a bacterial infection is present.
“However, if there is a bacterial respiratory infection, such as strep throat or bacterial pneumonia (that could follow a bad cold) or whooping cough, antibiotics would be indicated.”
As the colder months approach, simple measures such as staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, improving indoor ventilation and keeping recommended vaccinations up to date can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses—and help protect those around us who may be most vulnerable.