Updates from Ottawa Public Health (2024)

From Ottawa Public Health

Respiratory Virus Season

An Update from Ottawa Public Health on the Respiratory Virus Season  

The levels of COVID-19 circulating in our community are high and similar to last week. Influenza activity in Ottawa is high and decreasing since last week. RSV activity is moderate and similar to last week.  

Ottawa Public Health wants to remind individuals, especially people at higher risk, to prioritize their health by taking proactive measures and making informed choices.  

Vaccination continues to be one of the best ways for people to help protect themselves against severe outcomes from COVID-19 and flu, including hospitalization. It’s not too late to get these important vaccines to help protect yourself and your family. Residents can get their vaccines at their local pharmacy. Please contact your local pharmacy, regular health care provider or visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca for vaccine appointment bookings.  

Your actions matter – every action taken to reduce the spread of viruses helps. By doing your part to protect you and your loved ones from respiratory illness, you're also reducing the pressure on our local hospitals.  

• Stay up to date on your vaccines – including your updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu vaccine.  

• Stay home when sick – stay home until you are fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medications) AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea).  

• Do not visit loved ones in hospital, long term care or retirement homes when you have symptoms.  

• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.  

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.  

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace.  

• Wear a mask – wear a mask to protect yourself from respiratory viruses, to protect others at high risk, and when recovering from illness.  

Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus for more information on reducing the spread, vaccines, and what to do if you’re sick – including where to get treatment (like Paxlovid) for COVID-19.  

Please consider sharing the following social media posts with your networks: 

Facebook EN: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4rURXNxLR6Hob1yq/ 

Facebook FR : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/s9XX3mFBCewdgTG8/  

X (Twitter) EN : https://twitter.com/OttawaHealth/status/1748019773512855681   

X (Twitter) FR :  https://twitter.com/OttawaSante/status/1748020220319388057   

Instagram (bilingual):  https://www.instagram.com/p/C2P6W-3g7pN/?hl=en&img_index=1