With Canada’s colder climate comes respiratory virus season, and flus and RSV are circulating alongside the COVID-19 virus that is still with us. Whereas Canadians realized so much about easy methods to defend themselves from sickness over the course of the pandemic, new data launched by well being care practitioners can assist inform choices, from availability of flu pictures to any modifications in COVID protocols.
We’ll be publishing an replace on respiratory virus season every week. On the lookout for extra data on the subject that you just don’t see right here? E-mail viewers@globeandmail.com to see if we can assist you.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is ready at a vaccination clinic in Dartmouth, N.S., on June 3, 2021.Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press
The most recent information
- The autumn COVID-19 shot lower the danger of COVID sickness in half total, and by 67 per cent for individuals with a earlier confirmed an infection, based on the Canadian community that additionally tracks the efficiency of the flu vaccine. The influenza vaccine was 63 per cent efficient towards A(H1N1), the dominant pressure this season, the group concluded in its mid-season estimates.
- As of the week ended Feb. 17, the influenza indicators that the Public Well being Company of Canada tracks – take a look at positivity charges, confirmed outbreaks, extreme outcomes and total flu exercise – are holding regular at ranges which can be at or beneath anticipated ranges for this time of yr. The variety of influenza B instances is rising, as typically occurs as spring approaches, however stays low.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus ranges are additionally secure and beneath anticipated ranges for this time of yr, based on PHAC’s newest surveillance report. RSV was a significant ingredient within the viral stew that overwhelmed Canadian pediatric hospitals final season, when respiratory sicknesses rebounded after COVID restrictions had been lifted. A new report from the Canadian Institute for Well being Info confirms simply how arduous final season was on kids’s well being amenities.
Flu pictures
It’s not too late to get your flu shot. Influenza B, which is usually extra harmful to kids than influenza A, is on the rise now. The pressure typically peaks within the spring. Flu shot appointments are nonetheless accessible for anybody six months and older.
Discover out about clinics and availability for every of the provinces and territories right here:
Newfoundland and Labrador; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon; Northwest Territories; Nunavut
COVID boosters
The three approved vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax, defend towards the XBB.1.5 subvariant of COVID-19 and may present good safety towards the associated JN.1 household, now dominant in Canada. The reformulated mRNA pictures from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are authorized for anybody six months and older. Novavax’s shot is authorized for these 12 and up.
COVID-19 vaccine data for the provinces and territories will be discovered right here:
Newfoundland and Labrador; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon; Northwest Territories; Nunavut
Flu outlook in Canada
Influenza indicators are secure, and proceed to be at or beneath anticipated ranges for this time of yr. The influenza A season peaked on the finish of December. There have been 3,652 hospital admissions linked to influenza within the fall and winter of 2023-24, with seniors accounting for practically half of these admissions.
There have been 623 influenza-association admissions this season amongst kids at eight Canadian hospitals that act as sentinel websites for monitoring the severity of influenza in youngsters.
Hospitalization for COVID-19
Hospital admissions for COVID-19 proceed to say no, based on PHAC. The entire variety of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 sufferers fell to 2,531 beds within the week ended Feb. 20, down from 2,637 the week earlier than.
Present well being steerage for COVID-19
Signs of COVID-19 can fluctuate, however typically embody sore throat, runny nostril, sneezing, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or problem respiratory, feeling feverish, chills, fatigue or weak spot, muscle or physique aches, new lack of odor or style, headache, stomach ache and diarrhea. In response to Well being Canada, you might begin experiencing signs wherever from one to 14 days after publicity. Usually, signs seem between three to seven days after publicity.
Well being Canada advises following the testing tips supplied by your native public well being authority you probably have signs or have been uncovered to an individual with COVID-19. If you happen to take a look at constructive, instantly isolate your self from others, together with these in your family, and comply with the recommendation of your native public well being authority on isolation necessities.
Easy methods to defend your self and your family members from respiratory viruses
Respiratory viruses are unfold from individual to individual or by means of contact with contaminated surfaces, so it’s necessary to guard towards each types of transmission. Well being Canada recommends carrying a medical masks or respirator, washing your fingers commonly or utilizing hand sanitizer, masking your coughs and sneezes, and cleansing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects. If you happen to really feel sick, keep residence and restrict contact with others.