What You Can Do
Respiratory illnesses are more than a nuisance. I’ve cared for healthy people who ended up in the ICU fighting for their lives after “just the flu.” One young patient needed months of intensive care and even ECMO (a form of life support). He survived, but the experience changed him. He now champions the flu vaccine because he knows firsthand the toll influenza can have.
That’s why I ask people to take these steps seriously:
Get your flu shot as soon as possible. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow. Throw tissues in the trash, don’t keep them in your pocket or purse. If possible, stay home if you’re sick to avoid spreading the virus. Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and phones. Keep your vaccines up to date: influenza, COVID and RSV, if you’re eligible (now available to those 75 and older, or younger with risk factors). When to Seek Care
Not every cough or fever needs a trip to the Emergency Department (ED). EDs are for life-threatening and complex issues like chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe injuries. For less serious issues, consider family doctors, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, urgent care or virtual urgent care.
But don’t ignore symptoms if you’re at risk. If you have ongoing high fevers, shortness of breath or can’t stay hydrated, especially if you’re older, pregnant or have underlying conditions, seek medical attention.
Why It Matters
Niagara Health’s EDs already care for nearly 150,000 patients a year — about 400 every day. When respiratory illness surges, wait times grow longer. By taking simple steps to prevent illness and using the right care options, you help keep emergency care available for those who need it most.
I’ll leave you with this thought: respiratory viruses will always be with us. They are experts at survival. But our response — prevention, vaccination and early care — determines how much harm they cause. My job, and my passion, is to keep us one-step ahead.
This season, I hope you’ll join me.