Updates from Ottawa Public Health - March 9, 2023
Going forward, OPH's weekly snapshot will look a little different.
Weekly Snapshot
Going forward, OPH's weekly snapshot will look a little different. We will be adding information about RSV and flu. These weekly snapshots, now titled “Respiratory Virus Snapshot”, will still be shared through OPH’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels and posted on OPH's main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV infects the lungs and airways. It causes colds and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia in young infants and toddlers. Symptoms include coughing, runny nose, and fever. To learn more about treatment and prevention, check out this information page: Health.ca/RSV
COVID-19 Booster Information
Vaccination is the most effective way you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the most serious effects of COVID-19. Read more about why and when you should get a booster dose: Ontario.ca/COVIDbooster
Monitoring Indicators
- Wastewater virus detection levels of COVID-19 are moderate
- Wastewater virus detection levels of RSV are moderate
- Wastewater virus detection levels of Influenza are very high
- COVID-19 per cent positivity is moderate
- New COVID-19 hospitalizations are moderate
- New confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks are low
Key Takeaways
- The levels of respiratory viruses circulating in our community remain high.
- It’s important to remember that the behaviours we all learned throughout the pandemic to limit the spread of COVID-19 (like wearing masks & staying home when sick) will also help limit the spread of viruses like the flu or RSV.
- Like masks & staying home when sick, every layer of protection matters. Getting your flu vaccine and staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines are also important for protecting you and those around you.
- You can find info about how to get your vaccines on our website: OttawaPublicHealth.ca
