Your respiratory season toolkit: how to stay protected

(NC) As the fall and winter arrive, people spend more time indoors due to the colder weather, and viruses spread more easily. This time of year, also called respiratory season, often brings a rise in illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), making it an especially important time to protect your health.

While anyone can get sick, infants with developing immune systems and older adults with naturally weakening immunity are most at risk. Here are a few simple steps you can take now to help you stay ahead of illness and protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Get vaccinated: Staying up to date on recommended immunizations is still the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness. It helps protect yourself and those around you, including babies, infants and seniors who may be more vulnerable.
• Practice healthy habits: Getting enough sleep, staying active, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet can help keep your body working at its best.
• Wash hands frequently: Cleaning hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and warm water can help prevent the spread of germs.
• Stay home when you’re sick: Resting at home helps protect your immune system and reduces the risk of spreading illness to others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose to prevent spreading viruses to others.
• Consider masking: Wearing a well-fitted mask in indoor public spaces can add an extra layer of protection, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness.
• Improve indoor air quality: Increasing ventilation by taking steps, like opening your windows to bring in fresh air and using air filtration, can help create a healthier indoor environment.

Staying healthy during respiratory season doesn’t have to be a challenge. By combining everyday precautions with vaccination, you can be better prepared and protected from circulating viruses.

You can talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about recommended immunizations for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, and learn more at preventionhub.ca.