Here’s what you need to know about flu and respiratory illness season

Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Trevor Arnason shares what Ottawa residents need to know about respiratory virus season.

It’s the time of the year where everyone seems to be coughing, sneezing or blowing their noses, and Ottawa Public Health’s medical officer of health joined CTV News at Six on Thursday to explain what viruses are currently going around and what you need to know about them.

According to Dr. Trevor Arnason, there are often hundreds of viruses circulating this time of year, but the most prevalent is the common cold.

“This is rhinovirus, and many other types of viruses, and this tends to cause milder symptoms, but people can still feel quite unwell,” he said.

As we get into the colder months, Arnason says other illnesses will continue to become more of a factor.

“Now we’re entering into the part of the year where we see flu mixing in as well, COVID-19 is still around, and then RSV is also a seasonal virus that is coming,” he said.

Many of the illnesses going around at this time of year share symptoms, which makes it difficult to assess what you’re dealing with.

“You may not be able to tell the difference, and that’s because they all cause similar symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose,” Arnason said.

“These can make you feel really bad, so there’s no shame in feeling unwell.”

They make individuals feel unwell, but Arnason says most of the symptoms related to flu respiratory viruses can be managed at home.

“It’s really about making yourself feel better, managing the symptoms and also preventing the spread to other people, that’s the focus in the vast majority of these,” Arnason said.

While most cases won’t need medical attention, Arnason says it’s crucial to monitor breathing and symptoms affecting respiratory systems.

“When we’re talking about a serious illness, shortness of breath is the big concern because these are respiratory viruses which means they affect the lungs, and if you get really sick, that can be a really worrying symptom,’ Arnason said.

For those experiencing respiratory distress, troubled breathing or chest pain, Arnason recommends contacting a medical professional, either through Ontario’s Health 811 phone service which operates 24/7, or at a primary care provider.

In some cases, Arnason says a visit to the emergency room may be required.

“If someone’s having real breathing problems, fainting, or confusion, especially in kids, this is when you’d want to think about going to an emergency department,” Arnason said.

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