As the leaves turn golden and frosty mornings arrive, we enter the season when respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can pose a significant health threat to you, your loved ones, and the community.
Keeping our patients, staff, and the community safe is a top priority as we prepare for the challenges of the colder months. Earlier this fall, we launched our annual flu vaccination campaign, encouraging all staff, volunteers, and community members to get their flu shot — a crucial step in reducing the spread.
Charge Nurse Irina Motskin emphasises it’s more important than ever to get the flu shot.
“It’s a simple action that makes a big difference every flu season.”
Charge Nurse Irina Motskin
“Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot every year — unless they have a medical reason not to,” says Irina. “It’s the best way to stop the spread of influenza and to protect ourselves, our family, patients, and the community.”
Since flu viruses are constantly evolving, Irina says getting your annual vaccine — even if you’re healthy or ‘never sick’ — helps protect you and the people around you.
“Especially those more vulnerable to severe illness, like those who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or our elderly population,” says Irina. “It’s a simple action that makes a big difference every flu season.”
Understanding the “triple threat”
Flu shots are just one piece of the puzzle. COVID-19 and RSV pose a risk and continue to circulate, creating a “triple threat” that can strain health care systems.
COVID-19 continues to evolve and result in variants that can spread more easily, cause different severity of illness, or evade the immune system. This applies for RSV, known for causing severe respiratory infections, especially in young children and older adults.
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV all spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces.
How to stay healthy this season
In addition to getting vaccinated, Irina shares additional ways to stay healthy this season:
- Wash your hands often, using soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay at home when you’re sick, as viruses spread more easily in group settings.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items.
Taking steps to prevent illness can also help reduce hospitalizations, which decreases pressure on our health care system.
What to expect at the Emergency Department
With respiratory illnesses on the rise, a surge in Emergency Department visits is expected.
At both our Emergency Departments — Markham Stouffville Hospital and Uxbridge Hospital — the triage system works to ensure the sickest patients are seen first. Unfortunately, this can mean longer wait times, especially when seriously ill or injured patients come in.
Where to go for care
If you or your child is ill, there are many different health care resources available. In order to ensure the timeliest care, the following is recommended:
Family doctor
Book an appointment with your family doctor or primary care provider.
Community Health Clinics (CHC)
For individuals of all ages, and especially those who do not have a family doctor, our CHCs in Stouffville and Uxbridge offer follow-up and continuity of care. CHC Stouffville also offers rapid access to care providers who specialize in paediatric care.
Virtual Urgent Care Clinic (VUCC)
Operates daily from 1 to 9 p.m. and offers virtual access to care for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions for adult and paediatric patients.
Health811
Connect online or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse and find health care services close to home. This service is available 24/7.
Vaccine availability
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to the community through a primary care provider, some local public health units, or participating pharmacies.
RSV vaccinations are available for newborns and babies under 24 months old at Markham Stouffville Hospital and CHC Stouffville.
By staying informed, vaccinated, and practising good hygiene, we can all contribute to a healthier season ahead.
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This article appeared in the November 2025 issue of The Link. To receive Oak Valley Health’s community newsletter, subscribe now.