Preventing Infectious Disease

Monkey Pox

Monkeypox is a disease that causes symptoms of rash, fever, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and fatigue. The rash can be on the palms of the hands, on the soles of the feet, inside the mouth, and/or on the genitals.The virus spreads from direct or indirect contact with body fluids, material from skin lesions, and contaminated materials and/or from respiratory secretions.

People can lower their risk of exposure to monkeypox by maintaining physical distance and frequently washing their hands and practicing respiratory hygiene, including masking.

As of August 30, 2022, there were 618 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ontario. Almost all cases (99%) are among men, and most cases (75%) are in the Toronto region, though 23/34 local public health units In Ontario have reported at least one case to date. The average age of those testing positive is 36 years old.

Cases have mostly been identified among males who report sexual or intimate contact with other males (MSM).

The most commonly reported risk factors include engaging in sexual or intimate contact (e.g., hugging, kissing, cuddling) with new and/or more than one partner.

A vaccine called Imvamune® is available to individuals who may have been exposed to someone with a monkeypox infection (post-exposure prophylaxis). The vaccine is also available to eligible individuals who may be at higher risk of getting monkeypox infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

Although the risk for monkeypox among the general population in Ontario is low, anyone who is concerned about signs or symptoms they are experiencing are encouraged to self-isolate and contact a health care professional.

Sexual Health

Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are on the rise in Ontario.

While some STIs show signs like unusual discharges, burning while you urinate or genital warts, other STIs don't have obvious symptoms. and you can have an STI without knowing it.

Irrespective of age, gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation, having one or multiple sexual partners; vaginal, oral, or anal sex., and/or sex without a condom, increases the risk of a STI.

While not all STIs have a cure, there are treatments available. If left untreated, STIs may cause serious health problems.

STI testing, treatment and counselling can be found at various clinics throughout Ontario and in primary care offices throughout Ontario.

Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses are transmitted through droplets from sneezing and coughing or contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with respiratory droplets.

Although COVID has been the primary concern over the last two respiratory seasons, other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and rhinovirus, remain common.

Transmission can be prevented by cleaning hands frequently, physical distancing, staying home when sick, masking, and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

The influenza vaccine is offered for free to Ontarians over the age of six months. Being vaccinated against influenza helps to prevent its spread through the community and protects individuals who may be at great risk of serious complications.

For most people, the influenza vaccine can be safely given at the same time as COVID-19 boosters or any time before or after.

Tobacco Use/Vaping

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable premature death in Canada.

Like tobacco, vapour products (e.g., e-cigarettes) are addictive and contain several toxic substances (e.g., vapour aerosol contains heavy metals).

Health threats associated with addictive tobacco and vapour products remain and should be addressed as part of maintaining a healthy campus environment.

The Smoke-free Ontario Act, 2017 does not permit sales of tobacco or vapour products at PSE institutions. PSE institutions should proactively encourage students not to experiment with tobacco or vapour products.

Supports for students who smoke or vape are provided through Health Connect Ontario (formerly Telehealth Ontario). Students can also access online cessation services through the Canadian Cancer Society’s Smokers’ Helpline.

Substance Use

The best way to avoid health harms associated with substance use is to not use substances. However, if a choice is made to use substances, individuals should be aware of the risks.

To ensure safe consumption of alcohol, please be aware of the risks associated and seek guidance from Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.

Long-term effects of cannabis use can include bronchitis, lung infections (when cannabis is smoked or vaped), risk of memory loss, and the risk of developing an addiction. Cannabis harms can be reduced by practicing Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines.

Ontario continues to support harm reduction and treatment services such as take-home naloxone programs, needle exchange programs (providing drug inhalation and injection equipment) and opioid agonist therapy (pharmacological treatment for opioid use disorder).

ConnexOntario provides 24/7, confidential, free information about mental health and addictions and is available across Ontario for people with mental health and addictions issues.

Routine Vaccines

Routine vaccines protect an individual and those around them from serious outcomes caused by the diseases they help prevent.

Through the provincial publicly funded immunization program, Ontario offers free vaccines for those who meet eligibility criteria. Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario June 2022 (gov.on.ca).

Post- secondary students are encouraged to check with their primary care provider or local public health unit to ensure they are up to date.