Infection Prevention and Control

Our community is seeing an increase of seasonal respiratory illness—including cold, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

In most cases, these illnesses can be managed at home without prescription medication. In some cases, it is important to seek medical care. If severe symptoms develop, call 911 or go to the emergency department.

Here, you’ll find important information about:

• how to prevent and identify respiratory illness
• health care options available to you
• manage care at home
• when to see a doctor
• when to call 911 or go to the emergency department 

Health care options

Consider the following health care options before coming to the hospital

• Health811 is a free, secure and confidential service Ontarians can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive health advice from a registered nurse by calling 811 (TTY: 1-866-797- 0007), chatting online or navigating to Ontario.ca/health811 

• Contact your family doctor or health care provider

• Visit iamsick.ca to find a walk-in clinic or assessment centre close to you

• Talk to your pharmacist

Preventing respiratory illness

• Monitor yourself and your family daily
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer when washing is not possible
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Don’t touch your face
• Stay at home when you’re sick
• Clean (and disinfect) surfaces and shared items
• Wear a mask when in crowded, public indoor spaces
• Stay up-to-date on routine and seasonal vaccinations

Signs and symptoms of respiratory illness

Influenza (the flu)

The flu is a virus that infects the respiratory tract. The flu causes mild to moderate symptoms that last seven 7 to 10 days.

Certain people are at greater risk for complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions.

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills 

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea (most common in children)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV infects the lungs and airways. RSV usually causes mild symptoms that last a few days. Most children will have at least one RSV infection by the age of two.

Some people with RSV, especially infants younger than six months of age and older adults may need medical care.

• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Wheezing
• Decrease in appetite and energy
• Irritability

COVID-19

Managing care at home

Most respiratory illness can be managed at home without prescription medications. Here are some ways to manage symptoms and provide care at home.

Fever or pain

• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Do not give children Aspirin or products containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 

Red eyes and discharge

• Will often resolve without care or medication
• Apply a warm compress
• Use artificial tears

Stuffy and runny nose

• Use a humidifier
• Attempt a saline rinse or use nasal aspirator

Earache

• Will often resolve without care or medication
• Seek medical care if there is discharge, pain lasting more than 72 hours, or if you have had more than 3 ear infections in the last year

Cough

• Use a humidifier
• Have a steam shower
• Go outside or breath in cool air (for barking coughs)
• Take 1-2 teaspoons of honey (not for children less than one year of age)

Fluids

• Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice, broth or soup)
• Breast milk or formula for young babies
  

When to see a doctor for respiratory illness

Seek medical care from your doctor or go to a walk-in clinic if you or your loved one:

• Has fever lasting 72 hours or longer
• Has fever that went away for a day or longer (without fever medication) and then came back
• Has an earache lasting more than 48-72 hours
• Are not eating or drinking
• Are at risk of complication due to an underlying health condition 

When to seek emergency care for respiratory illness

If severe symptoms develop, call 911 or go to the emergency department. 

For adults, severe symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion

For children, severe symptoms include:

• Working hard or straining to breathe
• Bluish skin
• Unable to breast feed or drink
• Very sleepy or difficult to wake
• Peeing less than usual
• Fever with rash
• Seizures or convulsions
• Fever in an infant younger than 3 month

Tools & Resources

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Ontario [Ext.]
• The flu Ontario [Ext.]
• COVID-19 Ontario [Ext.]

Caring for children

• Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms OCFP [Ext.]
• Children's Fever and Pain Management JBH [Ext.]
• How to use Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen Tablets Sick Kids [Ext.]

Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) strives to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors. Help us keep the air we share clean and safe. 

Balloons

Latex balloons are not permitted in the hospital. Latex can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Mylar balloons are acceptable.

Flowers & Plants

Highly fragrant flowers, like lilies and hyacinths are prohibited. Lilies can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.  

Small floral arrangements are best. 

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

The ICU does not accept any cut flowers and plants.

Fragrances 

Strong fragarances can cause irritation in some people.  Please do not wear strong fragrances in the hospital.

Scent-Free Areas

In certain circumstances, we may designate an area scent-free. This means all fragrances are prohibited. People wearing fragarances, may be asked to leave. 

Peanuts 

Peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. If possible, refrain from bringing peanut products into the hospital. Please note, JBH is not a peanut-free hospital. 

Peanut-Free Areas

The Maternal Child Unit (MACU) is designated as a peanut-free zone.

Clean Hands

Cleaning your hands is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. 

Cleaning your hands with soap and water is still best if your hands are visibly soiled. When using soap and water, rub with lots of friction for 15 seconds, dry well and use a paper towel to turn off taps.

Alcohol based hand rub dispensers have been placed:

• inside the door of patient rooms,
• at the entrance to patient care units; and,
• at hospital entrances/exits.

An alcohol based hand rub is an effective alternative to cleaning your hands with soap and water. 

It's Okay to Ask

Healthcare providers know to clean their hands before and after a patient interaction. But, sometimes they forget.We encourage patients and families to remind healthcare providers to clean their hands often.

Public Reporting

All Ontario hospitals provide public reports on hand hygiene compliance rates. 

• Hand Hygiene Compliance Reports for Joseph Brant Hospital 
• Cleaning hands before initial contact with the patient/patient's environment for all health care providers and;
• Cleaning hands after contact with the patient/patient's environment for all health care providers

Tools & Resources

• How to Hand Rub
• How to Hand Wash
• Video