2023/2024 Respiratory Illness Season

The 2023/2024 Respiratory Illness Season is among us. While some people are suffering from seasonal allergies, others are suffering from colds and flus. The province, Haldimand County, and health officials would like to remind you that flu shots and both Covid vaccines and Covid boosters are available.

The overall risk posed by seasonal viruses this fall/winter is expected to continue to be atypical compared to pre-pandemic years based on observations from the southern hemisphere in summer 2023. We anticipate an early start to the influenza season, co-circulation of influenza A and B, and low-to-moderate Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) levels in most regions, including increased respiratory illness burden among pediatric populations. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be serious, and both infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV that requires hospitalization.

Please utilize Health811 for non-urgent health inquiries and questions. Telehealth, walk-in clinics, virtual doctor appointments, and other resources are available for non-urgent matters, saving emergency rooms for urgent heath matters. Haldimand and Norfolk Health and Social Services are also offering vaccinations both by appointment and walk-in, as are some pharmacies.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and stay home if you are not feeling well.