Layer Up to Stay Protected From Illness

This fall, layer up on protective measures to help prevent serious illness caused by the flu (influenza), and other respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Now that the colder months are here, we are all at risk of getting colds, the flu (influenza), and other respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Those at a higher risk of needing to be hospitalized include:

  • Older adults
  • Young children
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People with lung or heart conditions 
  • Pregnant people

Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of these illnesses, and staying healthy allows you to stay connected with your loved ones. Learn more about how you can protect yourself, your family and community this season.

Layers of protection: Tips to keep yourself and others healthy

Prevent the spread of the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Here’s how you can “layer up”: 

  • Stay current and up to date with a COVID-19 and flu vaccine (and RSV vaccine if you are eligible)
  • Stay at home when you are sick 
  • Wash your hands often 
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly
  • Consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you or people you live with are at higher risk 
What to do if you have symptoms?

If you have symptoms:

  • Stay home until you have no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetomenophen) and your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea)
  • If you cannot stay home: wear a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask
  • It is recommended to continue to wear a mask in public for 10 days after symptoms start
  • Avoid visiting those at higher risk of severe illness, including people living in long-term care, retirement homes or hospitals
  • Most respiratory illnesses can be treated at home. Antiviral treatment for COVID-19 and influenza is available for those at higher risk of severe illness 
  • Use Ontario’s self-assessment tool to receive additional recommendations

For additional information from a health care professional, visit Health811 online or call 811 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Where can I get vaccinated?

Influenza (Flu)

An annual flu shot is your best defense against getting sick with the flu. It is recommended for anyone six months of age and older.

COVID-19

This fall, the updated COVID-19 vaccine will be available to everyone aged six months and older. The new COVID-19 vaccine (KP.2 formulation) will provide the best protection against the variants of COVID-19 currently circulating.  

RSV

  • Older adults (over 60 years of age): RSV vaccine is available for those aged 60+ to reduce the risk of severe illness. 
  • Infant/high risk children: There are two safe and effective ways to prevent severe RSV infection in infants:
    • Protection with monoclonal antibodies (Beyfortus) given after birth (this is the more effective option), OR
    • RSV vaccine is given during pregnancy (at 32 to 36 weeks gestational age)
  • For more details, see york.ca/RSV

Here’s where you can get vaccinated

Vaccine Providers/SupportInfluenza (Flu) VaccinesCOVID-19 Vaccines
Participating pharmacies*
  • 2 years of age and older
  • 6 months of age and older
Some doctor or nurse practitioner's offices*
  • 6 months of age and older
  • 6 months of age and older
Some walk-in medical clinics*
  • 6 months of age and older
  • 6 months of age and older
York Region Public Health Clinics
  • Infants and children, ages six months to four years old by appointment only.
  • Infants and children, ages six months to five years old by appointment only.

*Before visiting, check if they are offering vaccines and if an appointment is required.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

 Q. What's the difference between the flu, COVID-19 and RSV?

All three are respiratory illnesses, have very similar symptoms that overlap, and pose an increased risk in those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems. 

The following outlines the differences as far as those who are the most susceptible to illness and severe disease:

  • The flu (influenza) carries the biggest threat to infants and young children, older adults and pregnant people
  • COVID-19 poses the biggest risk to those who are older
  • RSV poses the biggest threat to infants and young children

Q. Why do people get sick more often with the flu, COVID-19 and RSV during the colder months? 

Colder temperatures can reduce our body’s ability to fight off infections; plus, when we spend more time indoors, we can spread viruses to one another more easily.

Q. Do you need an Ontario health card to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

No. In Ontario, everyone aged six months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, even without an Ontario health card.

Related Resources