Preventing the spread of respiratory infections

Prevent Respiratory Infections

Every year many people get infections in parts of the body that affect breathing, such as the throat, airways, or lungs (respiratory infections). These infections are usually caused by viruses (germs) like COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and colds. Other germs, such as bacteria, can cause infections in the lungs (pneumonia).

While a cold is a very common illness that usually gets better without treatment, other infections like Influenza or COVID-19 can make some people very sick leading to hospitalization and death, especially for very young children and older adults or those who have other health conditions.

Many respiratory infections have the same symptoms but can cause very different illnesses and outcomes. No matter what the respiratory illness is, there are actions that can be taken to help keep yourself and others healthy and stop the spread of respiratory illness.

If your health-care provider has told you that you have a specific respiratory illness, you should follow their instructions.

Southeast Public Health tracks respiratory illness activity in our region and shares this information on the respiratory illness surveillance in Southeast Public Health dashboard and our viral respiratory mapper tool.

Most respiratory germs are easily spread through:

  • The air when a person coughs or sneezes and the germs land in the nose, mouth or eyes of a person who is nearby (usually within six feet away) or are breathed into the lungs.
  • Touch, like a person kissing or holding hands with someone who is sick and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes (direct contact).
  • A person touching an object or surface that has germs on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes (indirect contact). This is a less common way of spreading.

Preventing respiratory illnesses

Each of the following actions adds a layer of protection that can lower the chance of you or those around you becoming sick with a respiratory illness. Use as many of these actions as you can, as often as you can.

Stay up to date with influenza, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations. If you are over the age of 65 or have any health conditions, talk to a health-care provider about what other vaccinations are available to you.

The province of Ontario and Southeast Public Health recommend wearing a mask:

  • To protect yourself from viral respiratory illnesses.
  • To protect others at higher risk of severe illnesses.
  • When you are recovering from illness.
  • When visiting high-risk settings.

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or clean with alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 70 to 90% alcohol).

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand, or use disposable tissues and be sure to dispose of them in a lined waste basket and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Check regularly for symptoms of respiratory illness. To prevent the spread of illness, stay away from others when you are sick, except to seek testing or medical care if needed.

You should stay away from others until:

  • Your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea),
  • You do not have a fever, and
  • You have not developed any new symptoms.

To protect those in your household from infection:

  • Reduce contact with other members of your household. Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible. If the bathroom must be shared, be sure you have your own towel.
  • Wear a well-fitted mask when you are around others in the house.
  • Clean your hands often using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
  • Cough into a tissue or your sleeve, and wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or touching your mouth or face.
  • Do not share anything that goes in your mouth, such as eating utensils, drinking glasses, or toothbrushes.

Continue to wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days after symptoms start. Avoid contact with people who have weakened immune systems, very young children, and older adults.

If you have been told you have a specific infection, your health-care provider or public health will give you instructions on preventing the spread of the infection.

People with respiratory illness should notify anyone who they had close contact with while they had symptoms. If you have been told you were around someone with respiratory illness, follow these steps for 10 days after you last saw the person who is sick:

  • Watch for symptoms of illness. Stay away from others if you become sick.
  • Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings.
  • Avoid non-essential visits to anyone who has a weakened immune system or is at higher risk of illness, such as seniors.
  • Avoid non-essential visits to high-risk places such as hospitals and long-term care homes.
  • Follow any directions provided by your workplace.

A health-care provider or public health will provide specific instructions for certain infections.

Ensure good indoor air ventilation. It replaces indoor air with outdoor air which will decrease the amount of virus or bacteria that may be in the air.

When possible, keep windows open at home or in a vehicle.

Air purifiers are also known as portable air filtration devices. When used properly, they can reduce the amount of some viruses (germs) in the air.

Who is at risk of serious illness?

Infants, young children, and older adults, as well as those who have a weakened immune system or have other health conditions are more at risk for serious illness resulting in hospitalization or, sometimes, death. Taking steps to prevent illness, such as staying away from others when sick and making sure you are up to date with immunizations, are important prevention measures.

Comparison of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and colds

Time from exposure to start of symptoms

  • COVID-19: One to 14 days
  • Influenza: One to four days
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Three to seven days
  • Cold (rhinovirus): Two to four days

Symptoms

Table describing the symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and a cold along with rarity.
Symptom COVID-19 Influenza Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Cold (rhinovirus)
Fever Common Common Common Rare
Fatigue Common Common Common Rare
Cough Common Common Common Common
Aches and pains Common Common Common Sometimes
Runny or stuffy nose Sometimes Common Common Common
Sore throat Sometimes Common Common Common
Diarrhea Common Sometimes Sometimes Rare
Headaches Common Common Common Rare
Shortness of breath Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes Never
Loss of smell or taste Sometimes Never Never Never

Vaccination

Complications

  • COVID-19
    • blood clots
    • pneumonia
    • multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
    • long-COVID
  • Influenza
    • pneumonia
    • can worsen a current chronic condition
    • can be life-threatening
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
    • pneumonia
    • bronchiolitis
  • Cold (rhinovirus)
    • can lead to sinus congestion or earache

Treatment

Most respiratory illnesses can be treated with rest, fluids, and medication to reduce fever and pain. If you are feeling very sick and need medical attention, contact your health-care provider.

Some people who have respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19, can be treated with Paxlovid. Paxlovid treatment is a medication available in pharmacies, without a prescription from a physician, for people who are eligible. See the COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener to determine if you are eligible for treatment.

If you cannot access a health care provider, or do not have a health-care provider, contact Health811, by calling 8-1-1 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), or join a live chat with a health-care navigator.