Dr. Mehdi Aloosh offers some tips on how to protect yourself from viruses.
Fall is upon us in Windsor and Essex County.
It's a time when we look forward to connecting with our neighbours, friends and family at the dinner table, apple orchard, or on doorsteps while trick-or-treating.
But as changes to the weather and the introduction of sweaters mark the beginning of fall, so too does the arrival of the annual respiratory illness season. This year, like those before it, the cold, flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) viruses will all circulate in our region.
Our collective efforts as a community will make all the difference in how impactful these viruses can be. As every year is different, 2023 will bring a flu season which most likely will begin sooner, last longer, and be especially impactful for those under the age of 15.
As you know, however, the flu virus has not acted alone for the past three years and vaccines for both the flu and COVID-19 are always being improved to address the new strains of the virus which are expected to circulate. Health Canada has recently approved a new COVID-19 vaccine which is expected to be delivered to our region before the end of the month.
Like the flu vaccine, those at the highest risk, including seniors and young children, will be the first to receive this new product which will be recommended for everyone once available.
In the meantime, the current vaccine continues to be available if it has been six months since your last dose. As new vaccines continue to be developed, it is important to recognize that the best vaccine for you is the one that is available, when you are eligible.
These vaccines are free, safe, and effective, and I encourage everyone to speak with their health care provider about getting both, as you may be able to receive them at the same appointment.
At the health unit, we closely monitor all respiratory viruses and their variants. Our team will monitor and update the public and partners on the status of respiratory viruses and available vaccines, and we will provide recommendations and guidance when needed throughout the season.
Our infectious disease prevention team is available to any institution that needs help in controlling an outbreak of any respiratory disease. As we have for years, our health unit will support local schools, workplaces, businesses, health care providers, and municipalities to ensure that our community is safe, regardless of where you live, work, or play.
So, Windsor-Essex, you know what to do.
The same actions you've heard us recommend over the past three years continue to be among the best ways to keep from spreading these illnesses to those who could be hospitalized or die from infection.
Getting vaccinated, staying home when unwell, practicing good hand hygiene, covering your coughs and sneezes, and wearing masks in indoor public spaces if you feel it may be best for you and others — all makes a big difference.
Together, we can enjoy this season and emerge healthier and more connected than ever.
Your health unit is here to support you to make the best possible decisions for yourselves, and we will do our part to support you and our partners in health care and other sectors to facilitate the care that our community needs this season.
For more information, visit the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's website at wechu.org.
Stay safe and healthy.