Even though the emergency room occupancy rate in Bas-Saint-Laurent is still in check at 71% as of December 2, Bas-Saint-Laurent director of public health, Dr. Sylvain Leduc, predicts that a flu wave affect the region. This virus will add to the cocktail of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19, already present in the area.
“There are other viruses circulating additionally, such as the rhinoceros virus, but these are the three that hit the hardest. Our emergencies are sometimes busy and very busy, but they are not in overcapacity as in metropolitan areas,” explains Dr. Sylvain Leduc.
Medical teams are preparing for an increase in emergency room attendance, in line with the current one in the west of the province, which is why the CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent has accelerated the flu vaccination campaign.
Since November 25, the flu vaccine has been offered to anyone over 6 months of age who requests it. By operating in this way, the director of public health specifies that visits to the hospital will be prevented. Vaccination is ongoing at all eight COVID-19 vaccination sites, as well as other secondary sites.
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for people 75 years of age and older, people 6 months of age and older with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women in their 2nd or 3rd trimester.
“With sports tournaments, office parties, family reunions all at the same time, we are sure to have people sick. They have to voluntarily self-isolate so they don’t spread viruses, but that doesn’t always work […] Now is not the time when you are sick to infect your loved ones, ”says Dr. Sylvain Leduc. ‘It is about to strike, I can guarantee it, we know it,’ he warns.
Flu screening clinics are being organized this week. Testing will be available so that some sick and vulnerable people can access treatment.
Dr. Sylvain Leduc recalls that the habits adopted during the pandemic and the barrier measures applied have prevented the transmission of various viruses. “We will have to go back to it on a voluntary basis, otherwise we are doomed to see the increase continue. The more human contact we have, the greater the risk of transmitting or receiving viruses.”
Wearing a mask in crowded places, washing your hands and isolating yourself at home if you experience symptoms of respiratory infection, sore throat or cough are some of the preventive measures that can be applied.
According to the IndexSanté.ca website, the occupancy rate of emergency rooms in Quebec reached 128% on December 2. A sign that the health network needs strengthening, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, on December 1st launched an appeal to retired nurses and medical students to answer calls from the 811 line.
