Expert says it's never too late to get covid 19 shots before Christmas. (Source: Global News)
As the holiday season kicks off, the joy of spending time with family and friends is accompanied by the challenges posed by the cold and flu season, alongside a surge in COVID-19 cases in certain provinces. Health experts are urging Canadians to stay vigilant amidst the festive celebrations.
Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reveals that, as of December 12, the national percentage of weekly positive COVID-19 tests stands at 18.2 percent. Notably, provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are experiencing a notable increase in cases.
Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre, emphasizes the rise in COVID cases as people gather indoors during the colder months. Despite stable trends reported by most provinces and territories, there are still three to four deaths per hour across the country from COVID.
Besides COVID-19, other respiratory illnesses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also making their presence felt. In the week from December 3 to December 9, the percentage of tests positive for influenza increased to 13.2 percent, up from 9.9 percent the previous week. RSV cases are also on the rise but remain within expected levels for this time of year.
Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist, warns that both the flu and COVID-19 can cause severe illness, particularly in the very young and the elderly. With elevated levels of COVID-19 circulating, there is concern about a potential increase in infections during holiday festivities.
Wastewater surveillance across Canada reveals varying levels of COVID-19 cases, with Ontario experiencing a significant surge, indicating the province is in the midst of another wave. The situation in Quebec is described as moderate, while parts of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island show moderate to high levels of COVID-19.
As the holiday season approaches, PHAC emphasizes the importance of vaccination for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV for eligible individuals. Currently, 14.6 percent of the population has received the updated XBB.1.5 vaccine. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, expresses concern about lower vaccine coverage in high-risk groups and encourages combined vaccination efforts.
Dr. Conway suggests considering the treatment Paxlovid for COVID-19, which may shorten the illness duration and is available for Canadians over 18. The advice remains to stay home if sick, a challenging recommendation during holiday gatherings. For those hosting Christmas dinners, Furness recommends investing in air quality improvement measures, such as HEPA filter systems or opening windows.
When it comes to holiday air travel, Furness acknowledges the protective filtration systems on planes but advises caution, especially when ventilation is limited, suggesting the use of masks during uncomfortable situations.
As Canadians navigate the complexities of the holiday season amid the ongoing health challenges, the emphasis is on precautionary measures to ensure a safe and healthy festive experience.
