As winter deepens across Canada, healthcare professionals are turning their attention to a familiar but evolving challenge: seasonal respiratory illnesses. From influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to the ongoing circulation of COVID-19 and common cold viruses, doctors are closely monitoring patterns that impact Canadians differently depending on geography, age, and underlying health conditions. Understanding these trends is critical not only for managing individual health but also for public health planning, hospital readiness, and preventative strategies.
Advertising
Winter: A Season for Respiratory Illnesses
Respiratory infections tend to spike during the colder months. Dr. Samantha Greene, an infectious disease specialist in Toronto, explains, “Colder weather pushes people indoors, increasing close contact. Dry indoor air can irritate mucous membranes, making it easier for viruses to take hold. Combine that with decreased daylight and immune system modulation due to seasonal changes, and you get a perfect storm for respiratory illnesses.”
These seasonal shifts are consistent across the country, though each region experiences them differently. In the Atlantic provinces, cold winds and storm-related isolation can exacerbate infections. Prairie winters, with their extreme temperatures, often see clustered outbreaks in schools and community centers. Meanwhile, urban centers like Vancouver and Toronto see milder weather but dense populations that allow viruses to spread rapidly.
