2023-12-15 18:51:44
The respiratory illness season is already well underway in Canada. Although respiratory infections can occur throughout the year, it is common to see a significant increase in cases during the fall and winter months.
OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 14 2023 /CNW/ – For some regions where the health care system is currently stretched to capacity, these high or increasing levels of respiratory illness are already posing significant challenges for hospitals. Therefore, it is especially important that we all take steps to protect ourselves and our families at this time of year, especially during the holiday season.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to assess respiratory virus levels across Canada and releases weekly national updates. Although levels vary across the country, multiple viruses, including influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID -19, circulate at the same time. On November 25, 2023, PHAC reported that Canada’s flu season had officially begun. Through the week ending December 2, 2023, influenza and RSV activity continued to intensify in Canada, but levels were consistent with expectations for this time of year.
When it comes to COVID-19, nationally, the percentage of laboratory tests that are positive remains relatively high. In addition, some provinces and territories are observing an increase in COVID-19 activity, which is even reaching high and very high levels in certain regions of the country. However, trends in a number of indicators, including wastewater monitoring data, vary from region to region. It is important that Canadians consult their local public health authorities for the most up-to-date information on respiratory virus activity in their area.
As the holiday season approaches, we can expect increased spread of viruses due to our more frequent travel and socializing. I encourage you all to take the necessary steps to help you and your loved ones stay healthy. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations up to date. You can receive both vaccines at the same time. Health Canada has now authorized three XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines, which better target new sub-variants of the virus. We can expect new variants of COVID-19 to continue to emerge, such as the BA.2.86 variant which is currently circulating and increasing in prevalence in Canada and elsewhere in the world. As we continue to learn more regarding this variant and the JN.1 sublineage, preliminary data suggests that updated XBB.1.5 vaccines provide protection once morest these new circulating strains.
Vaccination is especially important for people who are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 or influenza, including adults aged 65 and older. As of December 3, 2023, approximately 41.3% of adults in Canada aged 65 and older have received the up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine (XBB.1.5). Others at increased risk include pregnant women, members of indigenous populations, people with underlying health conditions, and, in the case of influenza only, children aged six months to younger. of five years.
In addition to vaccination, taking personal protective measures can help you reduce your risk of contracting or spreading infectious respiratory diseases. These measures include wearing a quality, well-fitted mask or respirator in indoor public places, maintaining good hand hygiene, and improving indoor ventilation. It is also important to stay home if you become ill to avoid spreading infections. As we layer up to protect ourselves from the Canadian winter, using multiple layers of protection is the best way to reduce the risk of infection during respiratory illness season.
Taking disease prevention measures not only helps you maintain your health and that of your loved ones, but it can also help reduce the number of hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses, easing the strain on our health care system. health care.
This holiday season, let’s all help improve our health and that of our communities.
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