Immunization is protection for the whole family!
Infectious respiratory illnesses affect millions of Canadians all year round, with cases peaking in the autumn and winter seasons. Trouble is, that’s exactly when we want to gather with our loved ones indoors!
Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting and spreading serious infectious respiratory illnesses. The best way to help stop the spread and stay healthy? Immunization.
Immunization is protection for the whole family!
Infectious respiratory illnesses affect millions of Canadians all year round, with cases peaking in the autumn and winter seasons. Trouble is, that’s exactly when we want to gather with our loved ones indoors!
Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting and spreading serious infectious respiratory illnesses. The best way to help stop the spread and stay healthy? Immunization.
Who’s most at risk?
Choosing immunization doesn’t just protect you: it also reduces your risk of spreading vaccine-preventable infections to people around you. That means more time together with the people you love!
Some members of your community are especially at risk of severe infectious respiratory illness complications. They include:
- People with chronic conditions like COPD and asthma
- Immune-compromised individuals
- Babies and very young children
- Older adults 65+
- Pregnant people
- Indigenous community members
- People living in nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
It’s
worth
a shot!
While most vaccines can’t completely erase your risk of getting sick, they are proven to greatly reduce it. But they do something else that’s special, too.
If you do fall ill with a vaccine-preventable illness after you’ve been immunized, you’ll be less likely to experience severe complications, like secondary pneumonia infections. You’re also less likely to be hospitalized or if you have a chronic lung disease like asthma or COPD, less likely to experience a flare-up or exacerbation caused by the illness.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines help your body build immunity (your body’s defense system) against a disease by introducing inactive or harmless parts of the germ, or its genetic material. Vaccines cause the immune system in your body to mount a defense against the next time it encounters those germs so that either you are fully protected against infection or protected against severe infection. Side effects can include a sore or reddened arm as your body reacts to the jab, and you may even feel tired, sore, or feverish as your body starts to build an immune defense. These symptoms tend to subside quickly.
Remember: the most common reactions to vaccines are still much less severe than symptoms of the illness they’re preventing!
Furthermore, vaccines do not cause the illness. Side effects means your immune system is working to create antibodies that will help to prevent you from getting the illness.
Are vaccines safe?
Only vaccines that meet the safety, effectiveness and quality standards of Health Canada are approved for use in Canada. You can learn more about Health Canada’s approval process here. On average, it takes about ten years of research and development before a vaccine is considered for approval by Health Canada.
Some vaccines, like those that protect against the flu, have been used in Canada since the 1940s!
Allergic reactions are rare, but possible. If you have concerns about a potential allergic reaction, speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can counsel you about which vaccine are right for you.
When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which vaccines they recommend based on your unique circumstances!
Protection for everyone
Everyone can benefit from lung-protecting vaccines, though some vaccines have specific audiences in mind.
Don’t forego a family feast due to flu!
What it is:
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious infection caused by flu viruses. These viruses can vary from year to year.
Flu circulates year-round, but peaks in the late fall to early spring.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. Flu is a serious illness. While many people recover after a week to 10 days, for others, the flu could mean very serious symptoms that lead to hospitalization.
Why you want to avoid the flu:
The flu isn’t just a cold!
It’s estimated to cause more than 12,000 hospitalizations each year, and around 3,500 deaths each year. It can often lead to secondary infections like pneumonia.
Luckily, there’s a vaccine that offers flu protection.
Who should get the vaccine?
All Canadians 6 months of age or older
The flu vaccine is highly recommended for all Canadians 6 months of age or older, unless there’s a contraindication (medical reason to avoid the vaccine). This vaccine is free in all provinces and territories, and available in pharmacies in many jurisdictions.
For older adults 65+, the immune system response to the flu vaccination is not as strong. A high-dose flu vaccination, which has four times the usual dose, can offer extra protection. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if this is right for you!
You can read the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s full recommendations here.
When can you get it?
Flu vaccines are available now!
The flu vaccine is available each fall, based on the active flu strains circulating that year. Protection lasts around six months.
It takes about two weeks to achieve full protection.
Don’t cancel your RSVP due to RSV!
What it is:
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, infects the lungs and airways. It’s highly contagious, and infections typically last a week or two.
RSV season usually begins in the late fall until spring.
RSV can affect anyone of any age, causing mild cold-like symptoms for most. However, vulnerable people are at risk of developing severe RSV that can seriously affect their breathing.
Why you want to avoid RSV:
RSV usually causes mild illness, but it can be very serious for infants, people who are immunocompromised, and older adults 65+.
It can lead to severe infections of the lower respiratory tract, which require hospital care.
Luckily, there’s a vaccine that offers RSV protection.
Who should get the vaccine?
Adults over 60, or people with risk factors such as:
- Living with a chronic lung disease like asthma or COPD
- Living with an illness that makes you immunocompromised
The RSV vaccine for adults is new for this year.
In the near future, RSV vaccines will be available for infants and pregnant people, too. By protecting pregnant people, their babies will be born with protection, too!
You can read the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s full recommendations here.
When can you get it?
RSV vaccines are available now. There is a cost associated and you will need a prescription from your primary care provider. Speak to your healthcare provider.
It is recommended that the RSV vaccine not be given together with the COVID-19 or flu shot. The recommendation is to wait at least 14 days between the RSV vaccine and COVID-19 or flu shot.
Don’t get knocked out by pneumonia!
What it is:
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that causes swelling (inflammation. As the lungs become infected, pus and mucus block the airway making it harder to breathe. You may feel short of breath. In most cases, pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Vaccines can help to prevent pneumonia caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Why you want to avoid Pneumococcal Pneumonia :
Pneumonia is a leading cause of death and hospitalization in older adults and can be deadly for people with chronic diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Pneumococcal disease (pneumonia) doesn’t just affect the lungs. It can also lead to meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream) and other serious conditions including death.
Luckily, there’s a vaccine that offers pneumococcal pneumonia protection.
Who should get the vaccine?
Older adults (65+) with risk factors like:
- Living with a chronic lung disease such as COPD
- Living in a long-term care facility
- Living with an illness that makes you immunocompromised
- Experiencing homelessness
A pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended for infants 2 months of age or older as a part of routine immunization.
You can read the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s full recommendations here, with special sections for adults and children.
When can you get it?
Pneumococcal vaccines are available now!
For adults, depending on your vaccination history (and the vaccine you received last), speak to your healthcare provider to ask if you need another pneumococcal vaccine.
Don’t cancel due to COVID!
What it is:
COVID is an infectious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is still circulating in your community year-round. Like many infectious respiratory illnesses, more people get sick with it in the colder months.
Researchers are still learning more about COVID every day. More than three years into the pandemic, the most common symptoms continue to be fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste and smell.
Why you want to avoid COVID-19:
COVID-19 can still cause very serious symptoms. It’s difficult to know how your body will react, or which strain you’ll face.
The global death toll of the SARS-CoV-2 is estimated at nearly 7 million.
Luckily, there’s a vaccine that offers COVID-19 protection.
Who should get the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended for all Canadians 6 months of age or older, unless there’s a contraindication (medical reason to avoid the vaccine). Vaccination with an mRNA vaccine offers the best protection, though alternatives may be available if you are unable or unwilling to receive an mRNA vaccine.
You should stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, even if you have had the illness in the past.
You can read the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s full recommendations here with special sections for adults 30+, adolescents and young adults, and children.
When can you get it?
COVID-19 vaccines are available now!
Recommendations on when to schedule your next appointment changes according to new research. It also depends on factors like your age group and when you received your last dose.
Other ways to prevent the spread of infectious respiratory illnesses
Immunization is your best defense against serious complications from illnesses like influenza, RSV, pneumococcal disease, and COVID-19. What else can you do to protect yourself and stop the spread?
- Consider using a well-fitted mask when in public to limit the spread of your germs with others
- Keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes when in public. Wearing a mask can help you remember.
- Regularly clean common areas of your home – think door handles, light switches, hand rails, taps, remote controls, keyboards.
- Sneeze and cough into a tissue, then throw it away and immediately wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
- If you are sick, stay home!
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Get enough sleep
- Eat a balanced diet
Give yourself a hand
(wash)
Need a refresher on the right way to wash? No problem!
Brush up on your sink-side technique to help stop the spread of germs:
- Wet your hands.
- Add soap and lather for at least twenty seconds. Include the back of your hands, the spots between your fingers, your wrists, and under your fingernails.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry your hands. If possible, turn off the tap using a cloth, so your freshly washed hand doesn’t touch the tap.
- Repeat often – especially after using the bathroom, before (and after) eating or preparing food, after blowing your nose or coughing, after using a tissue, and after touching objects in high traffic areas, like handrails and doorknobs.
- No sink? No sweat! When access to a sink isn’t possible, you can use hand sanitizer. Pick one with at least 60% alcohol.
Family fun tip
Children of all ages may require help from an adult to achieve proper handwashing technique. Make it fun with stories and songs! Twenty seconds is about how long it takes to sing your ABCs, so suds up!
FAQs about infectious respiratory illnesses
No, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine since the viruses in the vaccines have been altered so that they cannot cause an infection.
Yes, the flu vaccine is generally very safe. There are so many flu vaccines given every year, yet very few significant side effects. Generally, the health risks from getting the flu are much greater than any health risk from the flu vaccine.
The flu viruses that spread around the world are different every year. Therefore the flu vaccine contains protection against a new set of viruses every year. The immunity you get from a flu vaccine also decreases over time.
Even if you’ve never been in a serious vehicle collision in the past, do you still put on your seat belt? Most people do since it greatly reduces their risk of injury and death in the unlikely event of a vehicle collision. The fact that you have not been infected with the flu in the past does not mean you won’t be infected in the future. Getting the flu vaccine greatly reduces your risk of the flu.
Getting the flu vaccine also helps protect others who may not be able to fight off the infection as well as you. The more people who get vaccinated in a community, the less chance the infection spreads around.
The common cold is a name given to minor infections in the nose and throat. The flu is a more serious disease caused by viruses that are different from cold viruses. Flu and cold infections are both very contagious.
With the flu, it is common to have a fever, headache, body aches, and weakness. With a cold, these symptoms are much less common.
Yes. Infants or young children who have RSV for the first time may get a serious infection in their lower respiratory tract, like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. They will need to be treated in hospital. Most children with RSV who are sick enough to go to the hospital are either very young (infants) or have an underlying health condition, like heart or lung disease. RSV can be more serious in premature and newborn babies.
Yes. RSV can infect the same person more than once throughout their lifetime. Symptoms are usually less severe after the first RSV infection. Symptoms for older children and adults are more like cold symptoms, but older adults (60+) can still get very sick.
Most children recover completely from RSV and won’t have any extra problems the next time they have a respiratory infection like a cold or the flu. But for a few children, having RSV will make them more prone to other lung and breathing problems later. It’s possible that these later problems could be caused by an underlying medical condition or allergy, and not RSV.
Certain germs (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) are the main causes of pneumonia. Most healthy people can usually fight off these germs. However some people are more prone to these germs, less able to fight them off and therefore more likely to get pneumonia.
Occasionally pneumonia is caused by a workplace exposure, or unintentionally aspirating (inhaling) food or vomit into the lungs.
If you have any regular symptoms, see your healthcare provider to be assessed as soon as possible. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics if your pneumonia is suspected to be caused by bacteria
- Rest at home
- Plenty of fluids
- Corticosteroid medication
Some people with severe pneumonia may need to go to the hospital to have additional support (e.g., oxygen, intravenous medication)
- If you smoke, try to quit-smoke damages the natural defenses in your lungs (e.g., cilia) that protect you from infections
- Ask your healthcare provider about getting the pneumococcal vaccination
- Get the flu vaccination each year-since pneumonia can be a complication of getting the flu, the flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of both the flu and pneumonia
- Wash your hands regularly. When soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Stay away from people who are sick
- If you have an underlying condition that increases your risk of pneumonia (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis), make sure to learn how to manage it
- If you are at a higher risk from pneumonia and you get a cough, fever or shortness of breath, see your healthcare provider right away.
- Regular exercise, adequate sleep and a healthy diet can strengthen your immune system.
Since symptoms can vary depending on your age, see your healthcare provider if you notice any health-related changes. Although in some people (e.g., very young, very old) sometimes there are no obvious symptoms of pneumonia, these are the most common:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Yellow-green phlegm (mucus)
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling very tired and unwell
- Chest pain
When you have pneumonia but the symptoms are mild enough that you do not feel the need to stay home, this is sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia”. You may not even know you have pneumonia since it can feel just like a cold. If you have any regular symptoms (even mild!) that do not go away, see your health care provider.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective against COVID-19 infection. In most cases, there may be some minor reactions such as pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects typically resolve after a few days. Serious side effects are rare. For more information about your case, contact your healthcare provider or public health in your area.
Yes, there are options. Click here for more information about vaccines approved in Canada.
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast feeding. A COVID-19 vaccine protects the mother and the baby. For more information, contact your healthcare provider or public health in your area.