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It’s Winter Sickness Season: The Time to Layer Up Your Protection is Now

December 19, 2022

Been sick lately, or know someone who has? Not surprising – as York Region and many other communities are experiencing a high amount of respiratory illness. It’s been a challenging time for everyone as COVID-19, RSV, flu and colds spread much more easily indoors.

Just as we bundle up with hats, mittens and coats to fend off cold weather this season, the best time to layer up your winter health protection is now. Getting vaccinated to protect yourself and others and layering up your defenses is the best way to get sick less often, get less sick and get back to your life.

How to Layer Up to Reduce Your Risk

  • Get your flu shot and COVID-19 bivalent booster – Walk-ins now available at all York Region Public Health Clinics or book an appointment at york.ca/covid19vaccine 
    • Flu and COVID-19 are not the same virus, but both can make you very sick, and both have life-saving vaccines! 
    • The COVID-19 bivalent vaccine targets the Omicron variant and is critically important for protection against the strains currently circulating in Ontario; effective Wednesday, December 21, 2022 everyone five years of age and older in Ontario is eligible for a bivalent COVID vaccine 
    • The flu shot has never been as important as it is this year, with unprecedented influenza rates in people of all ages in Ontario – the vaccine offered in Ontario is a good match for this year’s dominant flu virus strain
    • Did you know? Everyone six months of age and older can conveniently get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19 at the same time
    • Vaccinations are also available at many local pharmacies and some health care providers
  • Wear a mask
    • A well-fitting mask is strongly recommended in all indoor public settings, including schools, child care settings and all crowded indoor environments
    • Wearing a mask is particularly important to protect others if you are having symptoms
  • Check yourself and loved ones daily for symptoms, stay home when sick and get tested when needed
  • Practice good hand hygiene 
    • Wash your hands often, sneeze or cough into your elbow 
  • Regularly clean high-touch surfaces – particularly important for flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Winter is here to stay – be prepared and layer up. Every action you take further reduces your risk and helps protect those around you, especially those who are more vulnerable due to younger or older age, being immunocompromised, and those who are pregnant or facing chronic health conditions. Learn more at york.ca/flu, book your vaccines at york.ca/covid19vaccine or walk in to receive your shots at any York Region Public Health clinic location.