Medical officer of health urges caution on viruses as holidays approach

Public health officials are urging people to get vaccinated at their local pharmacy or doctor's office and continue to be vigilant against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections as we head into the holidays.

"We expect that again as we get into indoor spaces in the holiday season, we expect that there is more activity, people are getting together for a longer period of time. There might be lots of excitement in our communities," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, medical officer of health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

"I can say that we expect to see a hike in all of these respiratory diseases most probably after the holiday season."

About 11 per cent of the Windsor-Essex population is up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines, Aloosh says, so there is room for improvement ahead of the holiday season.

But the health unit will transition out of providing them at the end of December — seeing a slowdown in the demand for appointments at the health unit, now that vaccines are widely available elsewhere — instead directing people to pharmacies and primary care providers.

COVID-19 data is available on the health unit's website, Aloosh said. And people should continue to take rapid tests — available through pharmacies — and seek treatment from their primary care providers when they're ill.

But even if people test negative for COVID-19, they should stay home if they're ill.

"It's the best interest of them and people around them to stay home until the symptoms go away … It might be RSV, it might be other viruses that still put other people at risk of hospitalization and even death," he said.

Dr. Mehdi Aloosh is the Medical Officer of Health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, pictured in a May 2023 file photo. (Katerina Georgieva/CBC)

In Chatham-Kent, health officials urge people to receive their COVID-19 booster shots.

"It's not too late to get your vaccines and ensure the safety of your families and communities during this festive season," said acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shankur Nesathurai in a media release.

"By taking these preventive measures, we can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season while minimizing the risk of respiratory infections."

Aloosh said he recognizes COVID-19 fatigue in the community, but he also sees people trying to protect their health.

And while COVID-19, RSV and the flu are all circulating, Aloosh says prevention remains the same: cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, wash your hands, stay home when you're sick, socialize outdoors and do your best to ensure good ventilation while indoors and wear a well-fitted mask when you need to.

"I think that the most important thing is to get vaccines. We should get our vaccines as just one layer to protect us and people around us," he said.