The day has finally arrived for excited Swifties in Canada, because Taylor Swift kicks off his highly anticipated concert in Toronto on his Eras tour at the Rogers Center on Thursday evening. With the city center and public transportation expected to be flooded with fans eager to catch the superstar, health experts are urging spectators to remain vigilant. With cold and flu season With the virus in full swing, alongside recent increases in RSV, COVID-19 and walking pneumonia, they warn that crowded rooms and crowded trains could turn into hot spots for the spread of germs. “There aren’t many things in Toronto that the Taylor Swift concert doesn’t affect, and disease transmission is no exception,” said Dr. Barry Pakes, a public health physician and associate professor in the department. of Family and Community at the University of Toronto. Medicine. “As we saw during COVID, the first thing to come back was mass gatherings and the last thing to come back was mass gatherings. And this Taylor Swift concert is as massive a gathering as it gets. Story continues below advertisement Toronto is bracing for an influx of hundreds of thousands of Taylor Swift fans as the pop superstar kicks off her six sold-out concerts. Each show is expected to draw a crowd of 50,000 to 60,000 fans. 3:26 How officials keep Swifties safe during Toronto Era shows Respiratory illnesses like the common cold, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and walking pneumonia are just some of the circulating viruses that can spread easily in crowded or indoor environments, a- he warned. He noted that there has been a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in hospitals in recent weeks, which may not yet be reflected in federal or provincial data, especially as the virus n t is more monitored by the sewer systems of most jurisdictions. Story continues below advertisement Toronto Public Health also reminded that getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 can help reduce any risk, asking its subscribers: “Are you ready for this?” Receive weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information every Sunday. The City of Toronto released a similar note from Toronto Public Health to its subscribers several days ago. “If you’re feeling sick and can’t shake it, think of your fellow fans. Don’t be “haunted” by a cough. Consider wearing a mask, covering your cough or sneeze, and getting vaccinated a few days before the concert,” health officials wrote. The last respiratory virus data of Health Canada, as of November 2, shows that enterovirus, rhinovirus (the common cold) and COVID-19 are currently the most prevalent viruses circulating across the country. However, Health Canada also reports that COVID-19 cases are declining. Story continues below advertisement Walking pneumonia has also seen an increase in some regions of Canada, particularly among children. It spreads easily into the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes nearby. Singing can spread droplets Influenza, RSV, pneumonia and COVID-19 are spread primarily through respiratory droplets and can also be transmitted through contact with infected surfaces. When people gather indoors, especially in close quarters and during colder months, the risk of spreading these viruses increases, Health Canada says. An infected person releases respiratory particles of different sizes into the air, which can extend up to one meter. And it can spread even more if one person sings, Pakes warned. “You travel, number one. Second, you are in a massive, massive gathering. And third, people will sing and shout…. and in doing so, they distribute these particles much further,” he said. Story continues below advertisement 3:23 Health issues: singing is a high-risk activity for COVID-19 transmission Current trend Here’s how long Canada Post’s pressure tactics lasted and how much they cost Still trying to see Taylor Swift in Toronto? Last minute tickets up to $33,000 You can become infected with a respiratory illness if you inhale infectious particles or if they come into direct contact with your eyes, nose or mouth, according to Health Canada. These viruses are also spread by touching someone who has infectious particles on their hands or clothing and then touching their face before washing their hands. For example, shaking someone’s hand could transmit the virus if that person has come into contact with infectious secretions. Infectious particles may persist on surfaces after being touched or sneezed by an infected person. Frequently touched areas like telephones, door handles and elevator buttons are particularly vulnerable. You can become infected if you touch these surfaces and then touch your face without washing your hands, Health Canada warns. THE flu virus, VRS And rhinovirus can survive on surfaces for several hours, while COVID-19 can remain active for several days. Story continues below advertisement How to stay “safe and sound” Since respiratory illnesses are spread primarily through inhalation, the best way to stay safe is to wear a well-fitted respirator to avoid inhaling infectious aerosols, said David Fisman, a Toronto-based medical epidemiologist. “I understand that people may not feel that way about wearing a mask, but if you really want to avoid infection, this is the way to go,” he said. Pakes echoed that sentiment. Those who need to be most careful are people who are immunocompromised or elderly, although those groups likely won’t make up the majority of attendees at Taylor Swift concerts, Pakes said. If you’re immunocompromised and going to see Taylor Swift, Parkes said it’s important to wear a properly fitted mask. 2:23 Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour comes to Canada Pakes said he is concerned that even if young people attend the Taylor Swift concert, the real risk lies in the people they interact with afterward. Even if they feel well, they could still be contagious for days, potentially passing on any illnesses they contract to more vulnerable people. Story continues below advertisement “The general advice for this gathering is to go home, sanitize and wash your hands. And if you’re going to interact with other people, make sure you’re aware of any symptoms,” he…