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SWPH Prepares for Respiratory Illness Season

Thursday, 16 October 2025 10:52

By Marcie Culbert X @marcieculbert

Southwestern Public Health is reminding everyone to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV if they're eligible.

SWPH - As the temperature starts to drop, the sniffles begin in lots of households in Oxford County and beyond.

Southwestern Public Health is reminding everyone about the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Starting this year, the province has also made the RSV vaccine free to those over 75.

Jaime Fletcher is the Chief Nursing Officer and the Program Manager for the Vaccine Preventable Disease Team. She says you could technically get all of these vaccines at once, but it might be hard to find them all in the same place.

"The COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine are readily available at area pharmacies. Those who are eligible and are at high risk for RSV, should talk to their healthcare provider in order to access that vaccine."

If you do end up getting sick, Fletcher has this piece of advice.

"Stay home, wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, and try to stay away from those who are at high risk like those who are very young or in their senior years. We also recommend wearing a mask in indoor public spaces or if you are seeking healthcare for one of these illnesses."

She adds it's also important to pay attention to your body and get some rest so you can feel better soon.

Southwestern Public Health is doing its best to monitor the spread of respiratory illnesses in our community. The results are posted on the respiratory illness dashboard that you can find online here.

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