SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As temperatures cool and people spend more time indoors, the number of common colds, COVID-19, seasonal influenza cases and other respiratory infections in our communities rise. To reduce the risk of becoming ill and protect those closest to you, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health (SMDHU) strongly recommends using multiple layers of protection against these viruses this fall and winter.

“We are already seeing increased COVID-19 and influenza activity in our area and these trends are expected to continue through fall and winter,” said Dr. Colin Lee, SMDHU’s associate medical officer of health. “Young children, the elderly and those with medical conditions are at increased risk of serious illness from these respiratory viruses. By knowing your risk and using layers of protection, we can help prevent viral spread and lower the risk of illness impacting our schools, workplaces, and local health care system.”

Combining simple, proven and effective layers of protection can help to reduce the risk of becoming ill and protect those closest to us. These protective layers include:

• Staying home when you are sick with any symptoms of respiratory illness and keeping children home from school or child care if they are ill.
• Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu as soon as it is available to you.
• Cleaning hands and regularly cleaning then disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection.
• If you have COVID‑19 symptoms and are at a higher risk of severe illness, you should get tested for COVID‑19 (by molecular or home rapid antigen test) and seek care as soon as possible as you may benefit from available COVID‑19 treatment. The oral medication must be taken within the first five days of symptom onset. Some physician offices and pharmacies may be able to provide home rapid antigen test kits. SMDHU also has limited number of test kits at our offices.

The health unit recommends that individuals be aware of the COVID-19 Community Risk Level and Weekly Respiratory Virus Update, assess their own personal circumstances that could put them at higher risk, and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others against transmission and severe illness.

For more information, visit our website or contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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