Respiratory Virus Dashboard

Risk Interpretation Guide

During Respiratory Season (November to April), the HNHU recommends using multiple layers of protection against respiratory viruses:

Keep up to date on vaccinations like COVID-19 and Influenza
Don’t visit high-risk settings like hospitals or LTC facilities if you are sick
Wash your hands often, cough into your elbow, and clean high touch surfaces regularly
Stay home from work or school if you are ill. If you have to go out, consider wearing a well-fitted mask.
Speak to your doctor if you are at increased risk of severe outcomes as you may need testing and antiviral medications.

Consider the activity and location you are in when making decisions about personal risk. Consider the following questions:

Am I at increased risk for severe health outcomes if I get COVID-19 and/or influenza?
Are the people I am with at increased risk of severe outcomes if they get COVID-19 or influenza?
Is there good ventilation or can we improve ventilation by opening a door or window?
Is it safer or reasonable to hold the event virtually or outdoors? Could the event include a smaller group of people?
Are the other members of the group up to date on their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines?

	Very High Strongly recommended to increase public health precautions. Wear a mask for all interactions with individuals outside your household, only gather in groups when necessary and can be done safely (e.g. ventilation, outdoors), and avoid high-risk settings, such as hospitals, LTC homes and retirement home, whenever possible.
	High Take additional precautions to keep yourself and those around you healthy. Consider wearing a mask when interacting with those who do not live in your household, avoiding large indoor gatherings or crowded places, and not visiting high risk settings, such as hospitals, LTC homes and retirement homes.
	Moderate Consider being more cautious by wearing a mask in crowded places, gathering in smaller groups or outdoors, and limiting time in high-risk settings, such as hospitals, LTC homes and retirement home.
	Low Make decisions primarily based on your personal risk factors and the risks of those around you. Make decisions that are comfortable for you and those around you.