Communications Toolkit

Respiratory Illness Season

Welcome! On this page you will find communication products and resources developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, including posters, videos, social media content, and more. You can download, use and share these resources through your channels to create awareness and engage audiences. We hope these resources complement and support your efforts in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses this season.

Learn more: How to reduce the spread

Key Messages

Respiratory illnesses can be caused by viruses like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.

o Many respiratory infectious diseases like the flu and RSV usually increase in the fall and winter months, as people spend more time indoors where spread is more likely to occur. COVID-19 may circulate at any time of year.

o They can spread from person to person or by touching contaminated surfaces and objects.

The flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines provide strong protection against serious illness.
Protect your family, your community and yourself by using personal protective measures. Reduce the risk of getting or spreading a respiratory illness by using a combination of measures, including:

o staying up to date with recommended vaccines

o staying home when you're sick

o wearing a well-fitting respirator or mask, especially if you're sick and need to be around others

o improving indoor ventilation

o cleaning your hands regularly

o cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects

Preventing illness protects everyone, especially those at risk of serious complications. When we take steps to reduce the spread of respiratory infections, we ease the pressure on health services and help build strong, resilient communities.

Adaptable Social Media Messages

Audience: General Population

Download Facebook and Instagram Stories

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FluWatchers is a voluntary program that tracks how flu, RSV and COVID-19 spread across Canada.

It takes just a few minutes to join and then with just 15 seconds each week you can help public health officials spot outbreaks.

You’ll receive a short email asking if anyone in your house has had a cough or fever. Your answers are anonymous.

FluWatchers - Canada.ca

View Video

Flu season is here. Small actions can make a big difference.

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer, can help stop the spread of viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

#ReduceTheSpread

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Feeling a bit under the weather? Stay home and limit your contact with others to help prevent spreading an illness. You can spread a respiratory infection even if your symptoms are mild.

If you must enter a public setting while sick, wear a well-fitting respirator or mask to help protect those around you.

Learn more about breaking the chain of infection: Respiratory infectious diseases: Break the chain of infection - Canada.ca

Audience: Health Care Providers

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The latest Seasonal Respiratory Vaccination Coverage results are in.

Data showed:

-The majority of those who were vaccinated did so in October or November

-34% of Canadian adults received their seasonal influenza vaccine during the 2025-2026 season

-64% of people 65 or over received their influenza vaccine

-Overall vaccination coverage is lower than previous years, but up from 2023-2024

Talk to your patients, especially those at higher risk, about the benefits of seasonal vaccination and offer vaccination at routine visits, where possible.

Let’s work together to increase vaccination and protect our communities.

Learn more:Vaccination coverage report: Seasonal Respiratory Vaccination Coverage Survey (SRVCS) — Canada.ca