Respiratory Illness Season

Ways to stay healthy this winter

Yes, 'tis the season for respiratory “bugs”!

Dr. Sonya Malone, Western’s Workplace Health Physician says influenza, RSV, “walking pneumonia” (Mycoplasma species), adenovirus and, of course, COVID-19 are all on the rise at this time of the year, and give us good reason for caution. The Middlesex London Health Unit reported more than 250 hospitalizations related to respiratory illness during the first 12 weeks of the season and this number is expected to grow.

The number one way to spread a respiratory illness - oral and/or respiratory droplet contact. Risk factors include close contact with someone who is sick, unvaccinated status, inadequate hand cleaning and individual risk factors such as some medical conditions and immunocompromised state. 

The good news is, you can take steps to prevent illness!Woman sneezing

  • Get immunized
    • 3832 vaccines were administered during Western’s 2024 mass vax clinic in November - Employee flu vax: 804, Student flu vax: 1823, Employee + Student COVID-19 vax: 1205
    • If you missed the Western clinic, COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at many pharmacies and through family doctors.
    • The RSV vaccine may be available through your medical care provider for eligible people.
  • Stay home if you’re sick, and wear a mask for the 10 days after your symptoms develop
    • You don’t need to test positive for COVID-19 to stay home and mask for 10 days. This is an important precaution for any respiratory illness.
    • The university is not distributing COVID-19 tests anymore. Test kits can be purchased at some pharmacies and online.
    • The university is not distributing masks anymore. Masks are available for purchase at most pharmacies.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough. Cough into your elbow crease and wash your hands afterward.
  • Wash your hands regularly. Soap, water or alcohol-based sanitizers work well.
  • Wear a mask in shared public spaces or where close contact cannot be avoided. Western is a mask-friendly environment and supports employees and students who choose to wear a mask to reduce the likelihood of getting sick and to protect others.

Spread joy, not germs this winter!


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