As Canada's weather gets colder, respiratory virus season has arrived, and in addition to the COVID-19 virus that remains with us, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus are also circulating. Canadians have learned a lot about how to protect themselves from illness over the course of the pandemic, but new information released by health-care workers ranges from the availability of flu shots to changes to COVID-19 protocols. may be helpful in decision making.
We'll be publishing weekly updates on respiratory virus season. Looking for more information on a topic not covered here? Email audience@globeandmail.com to see if we can help.
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A woman wearing a protective mask leaves a health center in Madrid, Spain, on January 10. SUSANA VERA/Reuters
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British Columbia hit a record 10,435 people on one day last week as hospital wards filled with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus disease (RSV), and COVID-19 (RSV). reported being hospitalized. Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix held a press conference to encourage residents to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. B.C. is not alone in grappling with overflowing emergency departments and hospital wards, a challenge compounded by staff shortages. Quebec health authorities are asking patients to stay away from emergency departments if possible. The province's health minister said he expects emergency services to be overburdened for most of the winter. Canada's top vaccine experts say older people and young people with weakened immune systems will He said he will need to get another shot of the coronavirus vaccine this spring. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization made recommendations Friday to help states prepare their immunization programs for spring mini-campaigns targeting the most vulnerable populations. As of early December, only 15 per cent of Canadians had been vaccinated with reformulated vaccines that target variants in the XBB family. The Canadian Medical Association, which represents doctors across the country, has issued a call to action asking provincial and territorial governments to: It has not yet signed a bilateral health funding agreement with Ottawa. In her statement, CMA President Kathleen Ross paid special attention to the devastating toll respiratory viruses are having on fragile health systems. “Staffing shortages and hospital overcrowding, coupled with difficulty accessing high-quality team-based primary care, have resulted in hospital emergency departments being overwhelmed by an avalanche of patients with influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Resources are severely lacking at a time when coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and respiratory illnesses, including influenza, are spreading across Europe. It has proposed a return to mandatory wearing.The virus has hit some European countries harder than others.
Influenza outlook in Canada
The Public Health Agency of Canada noted in its FluWatch report that flu activity actually decreased in the first week of January, even though it feels like everyone is getting sick right now. . Nationally, 15% of influenza tests came back positive in the week ending January 6, down from 18.7% in the last week of December and 17.3% the week before that.
Overall, influenza activity levels remain elevated and are consistent with normal pre-pandemic influenza seasons, the report said. Some parts of the country, such as British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, where the flu is widespread, are worse off than others.
The majority of laboratory-confirmed cases last week were influenza A. Three quarters of them he was H1N1. This strain is responsible for nearly all influenza-related hospitalizations in Canada this season.
In the week ending January 6, 229 people were hospitalized with influenza, at least 42 of whom were children. There were seven influenza-related deaths. So far this season, 316 children have been hospitalized for influenza at pediatric centers contributing to the new surveillance network. Although the FluWatch weekly report does not report data on pediatric influenza deaths, the BC Center for Disease Control reports at least three influenza-related deaths in children under 10 years of age. All of the children had secondary bacterial infections that contributed to their deaths, he said. . Henry said.
influenza vaccination
Influenza vaccinations are still available at clinics, clinics, and pharmacies nationwide, and anyone over 6 months old can make an appointment. Find clinics and availability in each state and territory here.
Newfoundland. Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon Territory.Northwest Territories; Nunavut
Hospitalization due to new coronavirus infection
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 4,705 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the week ending Jan. 9, up slightly from 4,625 the week before. The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care beds also increased from 155 to 173.
COVID-19 Booster
The three approved vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax protect against the XBB.1.5 subvariant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and are also sufficient against the related EG.5 family. It should provide protection. The reformulated mRNA shot from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna is approved for people six months and older. The Novavax shot is approved for people 12 years of age and older.
State and territory COVID-19 vaccine information can be found here.
Newfoundland. Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon Territory.Northwest Territories; Nunavut
Current health guidance regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary, but commonly include a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, fatigue or weakness, and muscle or body weakness. pain, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea. According to Health Canada, symptoms may appear within 1 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 7 days after exposure.
Health Canada advises you to follow testing guidelines provided by your local public health authority if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If your test result is positive, immediately isolate yourself from others, including your household, and follow the advice of your local public health authorities regarding isolation requirements.
How to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses
Respiratory viruses can spread from person to person or through contact with contaminated surfaces, so it's important to protect yourself from both forms of infection. Health Canada recommends wearing a medical mask or respirator, washing your hands or using hand sanitizer regularly, covering your coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. Recommended. If you feel sick, please stay home and limit your contact with others.