This week, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said the annual flu outbreak has begun, more than a month earlier than the average before the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in flu comes as other illnesses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among children are outpacing the capacity of pediatric hospitals in Canada, leading to long waits for those who are not the most seriously ill or injured. Also Friday, following a directive issued by Ontario Health, youth aged 16 and over who require emergency care or admission to an inpatient unit in Ottawa are being asked to go to other area hospitals, with certain exceptions, to help with relief of pressure at CHEO, the children’s hospital in Ottawa. Dr. Lindy Sampson, the hospital’s chief of staff and chief medical officer, said today that the intensive care unit where the sickest patients go is exactly double the number normally cared for there. Most ICU patients are in their prime, Sampson said. Sampson told reporters that the increase in the emergency department, inpatient units and elsewhere is expected to continue for four to six weeks. He also urged people to wear masks indoors again, stay home when sick, take advantage of the availability of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and continue the basics of hand washing and self-care. another. Flu levels are also higher than in previous years for this time of year in parts of the country, PHAC said. Doctors say other factors such as exhaustion and burnout among health professionals, staffing pressures and a shortage of pain and fever-reducing drugs for young children are also contributing to the latest challenges for hospitals. While emergency department visits at some children’s hospitals remain high, they are beginning to decline at others. It is not yet known whether RSV levels have increased. The Canadian Pediatric Society and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommend that all children six months of age and older receive an annual flu shot. It’s safe to get flu shots and other vaccines at the same time, says NACI.
