Respiratory illness are infections that affect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, airway, and lungs). These illnesses are most common in the fall and winter. Respiratory illnesses are caused either by viruses, including COVID-19, Influenza (Flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), or colds, or bacteria, such as pneumonia. Check out our Respiratory Illness Fact Sheet for more information.
Some respiratory illness, such as colds, have relatively mild symptoms and will usually get better without treatment. However, other illnesses, like COVID-19, RSV and Flu can make people very sick and may need hospitalization. Severe symptoms are more common in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems or other health conditions. If you have concerns about your condition, contact your health care provider or Health 811.
Respiratory Illness in HPE
To find out up-to-date information about respiratory illnesses in our region visit our Respiratory Illness Dashboard, our COVID-19 Dashboard, or the Public Health Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool.
Spread of Respiratory Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses are spread through the air and direct or indirect contact.
- When someone with a respiratory illness coughs or sneezes, the infection can travel through the air (usually within six feet) and be breathed in.
- Through direct contact (i.e., kissing, holding hands, etc.) with someone who is sick.
- Through indirect contact, by touching a contaminated surface or object (i.e., doorhandles, rails, etc.) and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses
You can reduce the spread of infections using the layers of protection below. Taking these steps will help lower the risk of you or those around you becoming sick.
- Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots.
- Consider wearing a tight-fitting well-constructed mask in indoor public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of severe infection.
- If you are sick, stay home if possible. Wear a mask when in public settings as you recover.
- Wash your hands often and clean high touch surfaces regularly.
- Cover your mouth with your arm or elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Know if you’re eligible for and how to access COVID-19 treatments.
Time from exposure to start of symptoms
| COVID-19 | Influenza | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | Cold (Rhinovirus) |
| 1 to 14 days | 1 to 4 days | 3 to 7 days | 2 to 4 days |
Symptoms
| Symptom | COVID-19 | Influenza | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | Cold (Rhinovirus) |
| Fever | Common | Common | Common | Rare |
| Fatigue | Common | Common | Common | Rare |
| Cough | Common | Common | Common | Common |
| Aches & pains | Common | Common | Common | Sometimes |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Sometimes | Common | Common | Common |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common | Common | Common |
| Diarrhea | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rare |
| Headaches | Common | Common | Common | Rare |
| Shortness of breath | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rare |
| Loss of smell or taste | Sometimes | Never | Never | Never |
Complications
| COVID-19 | Influenza | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | Cold (Rhinovirus) |
| Blood clots, Pneumonia, Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) Long-COVID | Pneumonia, can worsen a current chronic condition, can be life-threatening | Pneumonia, bronchiolitis | Can lead to sinus congestion or earache |
Vaccination
| COVID-19 | Influenza | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | Cold (Rhinovirus) |
| COVID-19 vaccine and boosters | Annual influenza vaccine | No vaccine | No vaccine |
Treatment
Most respiratory illnesses can be treated with rest, fluids, and medication to reduce fever and pain. If you are feeling very sick and need medical attention, contact your health care provider.
The Ontario College of Family Physicians website provides tips on caring for children with respiratory symptoms or teens and adults with colds, the flu, or COVID-19.
Some people who have respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19, can be treated with Paxlovid. Paxlovid treatment is a medication available in pharmacies, without a prescription from a physician, for people who are eligible. Check the COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener to find out if you’re eligible for treatment.
If you can’t access or don’t have a health care provider, contact Health811, by calling 8-1-1 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), or use the live chat tool to receive health information and advice from a Health Care Navigator or Registered Nurse.
