'Prime time' to get your flu shot to provide best possible protection for the holidays, Ottawa Public Health says
CTV
With the countdown on to the holiday season, health officials say now is the best time to get the flu shot and COVID-19 booster dose for the "best possible protection" before the holidays.
With the countdown on to the holiday season, health officials say now is the best time to get the flu shot and COVID-19 booster dose for the "best possible protection" before the holidays.
The Ottawa Public Health Respiratory Virus Snapshot shows respiratory virus levels remain high in Ottawa two weeks before Christmas, and COVID-19 levels are showing an "increase after weeks of decline."
Public health says with COVID-19 and respiratory viruses circulating in the community, protective layers like masks and vaccinations are "still useful" to keep you and your loved ones healthy.
"With the holidays fast-approaching, let’s all remember...as much as many of us have been looking forward to gathering with friends & family, we must stay home when sick," Ottawa Public Health said on Twitter.
"Show people you care about them by not exposing them to a virus."
The OPH data shows the influenza and RSV levels are "very high" in Ottawa this month.
CHEO is seeing an "unprecedented level" of patients this fall with respiratory viruses, forcing the children's hospital to open a second pediatric intensive care unit, cancel non-urgent surgeries and call in the Canadian Red Cross to provide clinical support.
