If you’re experiencing a runny nose or scratchy throat, you’re not alone. The medical officer of health and CEO of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit says many people are experiencing sicknesses right now. If you’re wondering which illnesses are passing around the region this time of year, the answer is simpler than you might think. “People think it’s the flu, but it’s not. It’s the common cold,” Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, A.K.A. Dr. Paul, told CTV Your Morning Ottawa on Wednesday. According to Dr. Paul, only about one per cent of the people tested by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit are shown to have the flu. By comparison, approximately 45 per cent of people tested are testing positive for the common cold. “It’s really circulating,” he said. While Dr. Paul says the Eastern Ontario Health Unit has not seen high numbers of influenza, on Friday, Ottawa Public Health said flu season is expected to start early this year. “We know from previous seasons that respiratory illnesses don’t all peak at the same time, so it’s important to stay up to date on recommended vaccines and practice healthy habits,” Ottawa Public Health said in a statement. The Ottawa health unit said influenza activity was considered “moderate” this past week, while COVID-19 and RSV activity remained low. How to prevent the spread of illnesses As Dr. Paul explains, cold, flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, are all spread through similar ways. While the other illnesses aren’t quite spreading as widely as the common cold, Dr. Paul says it’s a good time to practice measures to reduce the spread of all these illnesses. “Although we can’t treat these, and there’s no vaccinations for the common cold. But there are a few things that you can do that will protect you against the common cold, but also against the flu and COVID that is eventually going to be coming in.” Dr. Paul says people should practice measures like coughing or sneezing into their sleeves, washing their hands frequently and staying home from work when ill. He also recommends cleaning commonly used surfaces to eliminate bacteria and viruses. “Tables, keyboards, doorknobs, phones, light switches. All those things, you should disinfect them regularly, and then always wash your hands,” he said. If you’re sick now, should you still get a vaccinated for the seasonal flu and COVID? Dr. Paul says those who experience early fall illnesses should still get immunized against the flu and COVID. “Just because you got sick now, it doesn’t mean you had the flu. It doesn’t mean it was COVID. It’s probably a common cold,” he said. “The reason I’m saying that is because people have a misconception. ‘Oh, I got sick. I got the flu. I don’t need the flu shot.’ Yes, you do.” Does the common cold have anything to do with the cold weather? Cold weather does not cause the common cold; however, Dr. Paul says cold temperatures often change our habits in ways that make us more susceptible to the virus. “It has to do with the fact that the cold weather forces us to be more inside. So, the more indoors you are, the easier it is for bacteria for viruses to spread,” Dr. Paul said. “So, that’s why we see it increases in the fall. Kids go back to school. We’re going to Christmas holidays.”
