Keeping you safe during cold and flu season

With colder weather here and more of us spending time indoors, there’s an increased risk of respiratory illness. Sunnybrook is taking steps to help you and your loved ones access safe, high-quality, and compassionate care in a timely fashion while also doing all we can to protect you and your family members when you come to receive care.

What we’re doing:

• Requiring staff, visitors, and patients to wear a mask when in direct contact with patients and long-term care residents.

• Continuing to offer our virtual emergency department as an option for patients with urgent, but not life-threatening medical needs.

• Expanding access to select outpatient clinics to divert visits to the Emergency Department (ED).

As in previous years, Sunnybrook is also making updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines available to all our team members so they can better protect themselves and our patients.

What you can do to help

During respiratory virus season, patients may experience longer than usual wait times for various services at Sunnybrook, including in the ED.

We strive to be transparent about ED wait times, including with our digital wait time tool. If you think you may require emergency care, we encourage you to review our website for an overview of what to expect so you can come prepared.

You can do your part to stay safe and healthy this respiratory virus season and reduce your risk of getting sick enough to require hospital care by washing your hands frequently, and staying up-to-date with vaccinations.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Free seasonal flu and COVID vaccines are now available for anyone over six months who lives, works, or goes to school in Ontario.

• More information about Ontario’s flu and COVID-19 vaccination programs, including how to book an appointment, can be found here.

• You can also read Toronto Public Health’s guidance on how to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

RSV vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can be more serious in young children and older adults. The RSV vaccine is available to vulnerable groups including infants and older adults.

• More information about RSV and vaccine eligibility can be found here.

Options for care in the community

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical issue, you should contact your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or other primary care provider. You may also wish to consider urgent care centres and walk-in clinics in the community.

You can also access Health811 to connect with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure, and confidential health advice.

You can also use the Toronto Health and Social Services Directory to find health services near you.

Thank you for helping to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy this respiratory virus season. At Sunnybrook, we take our responsibility to provide excellent and timely care for patients very seriously, and we appreciate your cooperation and patience as we continue to do just that.