Good afternoon Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
Below, please find a message that we are sharing from Toronto Public Health re: Staying Healthy this Holiday Season. Thank you.
December 15, 2023
Re: Staying Healthy this Holiday Season
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the end of the year and more people gather indoors due to the cold weather and the holidays, respiratory viruses are on the rise and circulating in our communities. Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are three respiratory viruses that can cause serious illness in some people.
Protect yourself and your loved ones
Toronto Public Health (TPH) is reminding families of ways to reduce virus spread as we prepare for winter and the upcoming holiday break:
- Get vaccines you are eligible for as soon as possible at a participating pharmacy or your primary health care provider to help prevent serious illness.
- Wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask in indoor public settings if you are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Stay home when sick or if you have symptoms of illness, even if they are mild.
- Before returning to school or work screen for symptoms of illness by using the provincial COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool or TPH Screening Questionnaire.
- Wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms begin to protect others at home, school, and work.
- Wash or sanitize your hands often.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow or a tissue.
- Clean high-touch surfaces often.
Visit toronto.ca/RespiratoryViruses to learn more.
Find FREE rapid antigen tests near you
Free rapid antigen tests are available at various City facilities across Toronto, including all Toronto Public Library branches. Visit toronto.ca/COVID19Testing to find a location near you.
What to do if you or your child are sick
Speak to your health care provider or call Health811 if you have questions about your family's health or if you are unsure where to access care. If your child is sick, review this information about how to care for them at home and when to seek medical care and information about fever and pain medications. The following virtual care clinics are available in Toronto:
We can all take care of our families, school communities and health care system capacity by reducing the spread of respiratory viruses.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy
Visit toronto.ca/health to learn more about:
Questions? Contact 416-338-7600 or PublicHealth@toronto.ca.
Sincerely, Nicole Welch BSc., MSc., RN
Director/Chief Nursing Officer
Child Youth Health and Development
Toronto Public Health