As viral season hits, Hamilton health experts call for protection and awareness
Experts at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (St. Joe’s) are urging the community to help minimize the spread of illnesses and consider all of the various healthcare options available when seeking care this viral season.
WAYS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES:
- ensure you are up to date on your immunizations, including the influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines
- always sneeze or cough into your elbow
- wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- avoid touching your face
- stay home when sick
- wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces
- clean and disinfect common surfaces, like phones and door handles
- speak to a healthcare provider in advance about treatments for COVID-19 and influenza
AVAILABLE AGAIN THIS YEAR - RSV PREVENTATIVE MEDICATION FOR INFANTS
RSV is a common virus that can cause serious lung infections, especially in infants and young children. While most kids have mild symptoms, some can get very sick with conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These serious infections can make it hard to breathe and may need hospital care.
Eligible infants can receive the preventative medication, nirsevimab (Beyfortus®), from their family doctor or by booking an appointment at RSV clinics located at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH). As of October 1, 2025, all babies born at MCH, WLMH and St. Joe’s are offered the vaccine in the hospital during the viral season. Pregnant patients under the care of St. Joe’s providers are also eligible for vaccination.
For more information on RSV and the clinics, please visit https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/mcmaster-childrens-hospital/areas-of-care/medicine/rsv-clinic/.
RSV vaccines are also available to adults aged 60 years and older who are at higher risk of severe RSV disease. Find out if you are eligible for the publicly funded RSV vaccine at hamilton.ca/RSV.
URGENT CARE AS AN OPTION
- St. Joe’s Urgent Care Centre at 2757 King St. E. is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- HHS’ Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at the West End Clinic is open daily to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- If you are experiencing a medical emergency: Call 9-1-1 right away.
- For health concerns that can wait a day or more:
- Make an appointment with your family doctor or visit your family doctor’s after-hours clinic if available.
- Contact Health811 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7 via phone or web chat
- For health concerns that aren’t life-threatening but can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment: you can go to the St. Joe’s Urgent Care Centre or HHS Urgent Care Centre. UCCs are staffed by emergency-trained doctors and wait times are typically less than in an emergency department.
- Urgent Care Ontario offers same-day virtual appointments with a nurse practitioner that are available on a first-come, first serve basis. This service is for urgent medical issues that are not life threatening. Visit UrgentCareOntario.ca to book an appointment.
- To learn more, visit needadoc.ca.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
- www.needadoc.ca
- www.urgentcareontario.ca
- www.hamiltonemergencywaittimes.ca
- www.hamilton.ca/covid
- www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine
- www.health811.ontario.ca
- www.greaterhamiltonhealthnetwork.ca
QUOTES
“As colder weather sets in and we spend more time indoors, viruses that cause respiratory illnesses spread more easily. Our team at St. Joe’s is always here to care for our community, but we can all work together to reduce the risk of serious illness. Taking small steps like getting vaccinated, washing your hands often and staying home when you’re sick make a big difference. When we all take these precautions, we help protect family, friends and community from getting sick.”
Dr. Zain Chagla, senior medical director, medical and academic affairs and infectious disease physician at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
“RSV remains the most significant cause of respiratory illness in newborns and infants, directly contributing to increased hospital activity each winter. The availability of an effective preventive medicine offers an important advancement in protecting vulnerable children.”
Dr. Jeffrey Pernica, infectious disease specialist at MCH
“While we can’t prevent viral season altogether, we can reduce its impact by taking simple, effective precautions. Staying current with vaccinations — including the RSV preventive medication available for eligible infants — staying home when ill, and knowing where to seek care all make a difference.”
Dr. Dominik Mertz, medical director of infection prevention and control at HHS