2023-08-08 19:30:00
COVID-19 will probably make a comeback this fall in Quebec and will lead to more hospitalizations, experts predict.
• Read also: “Eris”: the new sub-variant of Omicron that is increasing all over the world
• Read also: COVID-19: 3 doses of vaccine needed to achieve optimal immunity
“There is a good chance that it will increase,” warns Benoit Barbeau, virologist at the University of Quebec in Montreal.
“I don’t think we’re going to see breaking waves like in previous years. […] But, it is plausible that we are seeing an increase in infections, ”adds Kevin l’Espérance, epidemiologist.
Currently, less than 400 hospitalized patients have COVID-19 in Quebec, show data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ). We remain very far from the figures of January 2023, when more than 2000 patients occupied hospital beds.
Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in Quebec
- 1is August 2023: 371 (14 at SI)
- July 25, 2023: 383 (9 at SI)
- July 18, 2023: 407 (8 at SI)
- July 11, 2023: 457 (10 at SI)
- July 4, 2023: 465 (5 at SI)
*IF: Intensive care
According to experts, the number of cases is currently underestimated because the majority of people do not get tested when they have symptoms.
“It’s the tip of the iceberg, believes Nimâ Machouf, epidemiologist. But, I see that there is an increase. She’s pretty abrupt.”
Moreover, the university hospital center of Quebec (CHUQ) is struggling with three units in outbreaks and has put sanitary measures in place. With the arrival of autumn and the return to the classroom, indoor gatherings will be conducive to contagion.
“There is less effective ventilation, all of which accelerates the chances of propagation,” underlines Mr. Barbeau.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) responds that it is possible that we will see an increase in cases this fall.
Variant already here
For its part, the INSPQ writes that “no new wave seems to be emerging” for the moment.
In the United States and Europe, a new subvariant of Omicron named “Eris” has been causing a spike in COVID-19 cases for several weeks. Although more transmissible, it would not cause a more severe infection than previous strains.
According to Mr. Barbeau, “Eris” is also probably circulating in Quebec.
“I would be extremely surprised if this one is not present, he reacts. It shows that the virus continues to develop.”
No more vaccine for all?
In July, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended that Canadians receive a booster dose of the vaccine in the fall. At the MSSS, we respond that the fall vaccination campaign once morest respiratory infections (COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcus) is still in preparation. The information will be disseminated “in due time”.
According to experts, vaccination should mainly target the elderly and at risk.
“People’s willingness to get vaccinated has reached a threshold and that’s very understandable,” says Barbeau. It’s hard to believe that we’re going to get people who stopped at the second dose.”
Even if people haven’t had a booster dose in over a year, they still have some protection once morest serious infections.
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