Dr Rodrick Lim, director of pediatric emergency room, estimates that the hospital network is in the process of receiving the largest number of flu patients ever seen in a year. He notes that the virus calendar is upside down. During the summer we have seen present viruses that we had never seen during the summer before.
The flu season has already started in the southern United States, the doctor points out, which is unusual given that flu usually starts in November and lasts until the beginning of winter.
We also expect that as people have been quarantined and confined in the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, their susceptibility to viruses, including influenza, will be high this year.
Children are particularly at risk, even if they manage flu well, according to Dr. Lim. He adds that young people are likely to pass the disease on to those close to them, which can be a problem if they interact with vulnerable people.
All of this, coupled with the tremendous stress on the emergency services right now, can lead to a pretty rough fall and winter.
learns Dr. Lim.
Waiting times in the emergency room are also expected to rise to record highs, as seen in October, as emergency departments across Canada continue to buckle under the burden of demand, while facing staff challenges.
We are under extreme pressure. I think almost any emergency room doctor will tell you this is the worst situation they’ve ever seen in their career, says Rodrick Lim. I am really worried about the next few months and I hope to be able to get through all of this.
To relieve the burden, people should stay home – avoid going to work or school or attending family reunions – when they feel sick, notes the doctor. He also believes that all Canadians can play a vital role by getting vaccinated against the flu.
I know that the health sector is sensitive to the efforts of the public
concludes.
With information from Alessio Donnini, CBC
