Sept. 18, 2023 (Toronto) – As we head into the fall respiratory illness season, the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) is sharing important family doctor-approved tips and information to help all of us prevent illness and stay healthy. To access this information visit StayHealthyOntario.ca.  

“Family doctors stand ready to support Ontarians as we always do through the fall respiratory virus season,” said Dr. Mekalai Kumanan, President, Ontario College of Family Physicians. “One of the most important things we can all do to prevent serious illness is to ensure we are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots.” 

This fall, everyone six months of age and over is eligible for the latest COVID-19 vaccine, recently approved by Health Canada. The flu shot will also be available in the coming weeks. 

When it comes to other measures to prevent illness and stop the spread of viruses, Ontarians know what to do. Layers work: get your vaccines, wear a mask when appropriate, wash and sanitize your hands often and stay home when you’re sick. If you have symptoms and plan to see your family doctor, wear a mask to protect your doctor, clinic staff and other patients.  

Family doctors are also urging those who are at a higher risk of severe illness to have a plan to access treatments. Planning ahead is important because treatments need to be accessed quickly. Paxlovid is one treatment for higher-risk patients with COVID-19 and, to be effective, it needs to be taken within the first five days of symptoms. Remdesivir is available to high-risk patients who cannot take Paxlovid, and it needs to be administered within seven days of symptoms. If you think you are at a higher risk, talk to your family doctor to come up with a plan – that way, if you do become sick, you’ll know what to do. 

“With more than 2.2 million Ontarians without a family doctor, it’s especially important that as many people as possible have the right information to help them prevent illness and stay healthy. If you do get sick, our tipsheets for caring for children and teens and adults can help you to know when and where to seek care,” said Kumanan. 

Other ways to access care: 

• Urgent care centres offer treatment for most injuries and illnesses through emergency-trained doctors and other health care professionals.  
• Ontarians can visit walk-in clinics to see a nurse or a doctor, often without an appointment. 
• Call 811 to speak with a nurse, available 24 hours a day. 
• Register with Health Care Connect Ontario to be referred to a family health provider in your community when they are accepting new patients.  

Find tipsheets and information: 

• For parents and caregivers, the OCFP is sharing Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms, available in multiple languages and designed to help parents and caregivers know how to help their children manage their illness at home, and when to seek help. 
• For teens and adults see Family Doctor Tips for Teens and Adults with Colds, the Flu or COVID-19. 
• More information and resources are available at StayHealthyOntario.ca.  

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About the Ontario College of Family Physicians 

The OCFP represents more than 15,000 family doctors who support Ontarians in both urban and rural communities in our province. Our members have direct insight into the unique healthcare needs of Ontario’s varying populations. With their guidance, and together with our family physician members, the OCFP has developed overarching solutions increase access to care for more Ontarians.   

Media Contact 

Jay Scull 
Manager, Communications, OCFP 
[email protected]