Respiratory illness in the air

When you step outside, enjoy breathing in the fresh fall air – and be aware of germs that indoor spaces can harbour. Respiratory infections tend to be more common in the fall and winter, just as we prepare for seasonal gatherings with family, friends, and coworkers.

Airborne illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough (pertussis), and pneumonia are spread by small droplets that linger in the air and on surfaces when someone with the infection talks, coughs, or sneezes.

Symptoms tend to be mild to moderate, ranging from typical cold symptoms and fever to nausea and diarrhea. However, severe respiratory infections can be serious, in some cases resulting in hospitalization and even death. At greatest risk are very young children, older adults, and those with a chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes. ¹

These infections tend to be contagious even before symptoms develop, so germs can be spread before people realize they’re ill. ¹ Luckily, we have a growing range of vaccines to help protect against these infections.

Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV)

Many parents of newborns have heard of RSV. While most children catch and recover from RSV by age 2 without complications, those under age 1 and older adults with chronic medical conditions have an increased risk of hospitalization.

To protect babies, we have two options: administering antibodies directly to infants or vaccinating the mother during pregnancy. Nirsevimab and palivizumab are antibodies given directly to infants for the prevention of RSV. RSV vaccines are available for both young and older individuals. Newer vaccine options include RSVpreF, which is used during pregnancy to protect the newborn. RSVpreF is also used in adults 60 years of age and older, as is the latest vaccine for RSV, RSVPreF3. ²

Whooping cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been increasing sharply in Quebec and other provinces this year. ³ This serious lung infection starts with cold-like symptoms and a cough that becomes more severe, causing choking and trouble breathing. The illness is especially dangerous in infants under one year of age, landing about half of those affected in hospital. There are two ways to protect infants: giving the Tdap vaccine to the mother during pregnancy (now recommended) or vaccinating 2-month and older infants. Beginning at 2 months of age, routine childhood vaccinations include a 5-in-1 vaccine called DTaP-IPV-HiB that helps protect against whooping cough and four other illnesses. ⁴

Pneumococcal disease

Respiratory infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are a major cause of illness and death worldwide. In addition to pneumonia, these germs can cause other serious infections such as meningitis. ⁵ This summer, Pneu-C-21 joined existing pneumococcal vaccines, PNEU-C-15, PNEU-C-20 and PNEUP-23. ⁶

COVID-19

This highly contagious viral infection remains a concern. Until the new COVID-19 vaccine is approved this fall, Health Canada recommends that people over age 65, and those with chronic health problems receive the currently available vaccine if it has been 6 months since their last immunization. ⁷

Influenza

As we approach another flu season, the current circulation of several respiratory illnesses makes it especially important to avoid catching the flu on top of another respiratory illness. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) reminds Canadians that all individuals 6 months of age and older should receive an authorized, age-appropriate seasonal influenza vaccine. ⁸

Vaccinations go a long way to protect us against these contagious air-borne illnesses. Stay safe – make sure your family’s vaccinations are up to date.

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This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your doctor. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.