Quebec Faces Dual Health Crisis: Measles Outbreak and Respiratory Viruses Strain Emergency Rooms
Quebec is grappling with a dual health crisis as emergency rooms face mounting pressure from respiratory viruses and a new measles outbreak. The Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires (AQPP) is urging the public to get vaccinated at pharmacies across the province to combat these threats.
On Tuesday, Quebec public health confirmed 11 new cases of measles in the Laurentians, Montreal, and Laval. This marks the second measles outbreak in the province since the start of 2024, with the first outbreak lasting four months and totaling 51 cases. AQPP president Benoit Morin warns, “This is probably the tip of the iceberg.Is it going to get worse? Will it get worse? Possibly,if we don’t improve our immunity.”
measles, a highly contagious disease, poses meaningful risks to vulnerable populations. Babies under one year, unvaccinated pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, persistent diarrhea, and even loss of sight or hearing. In rare cases, measles can be fatal, with 1 in 3,000 cases leading to death.
“We mustn’t panic, but we must go and get our dose. That’s the best way to prevent complications in vulnerable people,” Morin emphasizes. He adds, “When there’s an environment that has a case of measles like a school, everyone who isn’t protected is at risk of getting the disease.”
According to the Quebec vaccination schedule, babies typically receive their first dose of the measles vaccine at 12 months and a second dose at 18 months. This leaves infants under one year notably vulnerable, underscoring the importance of vaccination for those around them. The AQPP is encouraging adults born since 1980 who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine, as well as anyone else not considered protected, to get vaccinated free of charge at pharmacies.
Pharmacy as an Alternative to Emergency Rooms
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The measles outbreak coincides with a surge in respiratory viruses, including influenza, which was declared an epidemic in Canada at the end of December. The AQPP reminds Quebecers that there is still time to protect themselves against these viruses by getting vaccinated at pharmacies.
Morin notes a recent decline in vaccination rates, stating, “It’s a campaign, there’s a lot of enthusiasm at the start, then since the holidays, it’s run out of steam a bit, but at the same time there’s a progression of influenza and other viruses so there’s still time to go and get your vaccine.”
Pharmacies are also stepping up to provide antiviral treatments for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or influenza and are at risk of complications. Eligibility for these treatments includes seniors, people with chronic illnesses or immune deficiencies, and even caregivers of vulnerable individuals.
With emergency rooms operating at 133% capacity, the AQPP is advocating for pharmacies to serve as a first point of contact for minor health concerns.“We can also give comfort advice to those with cold symptoms. You shouldn’t go to the emergency room if you have a cold, especially if you’re in good health. It’s best to take care of yourself at home, and your pharmacist can advise you on how to do so,” Morin explains.
Pharmacists are equipped to address a range of minor conditions, including shingles, allergic conjunctivitis, acne, certain fungi, hemorrhoids, heartburn, and Lyme disease. This shift aims to alleviate the strain on emergency departments and ensure timely care for those in need.
Morin also calls on the public to cooperate by calling ahead to pharmacies to prepare prescriptions or book appointments, helping health professionals maintain efficient service.
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Measles Outbreak | 11 new cases reported in laurentians, Montreal, and Laval; second outbreak in 2024. |
| Vulnerable Groups | Babies under 1 year,unvaccinated pregnant women,and immunocompromised individuals. |
| Complications | Pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, loss of sight/hearing, and rare fatalities. |
| Vaccination Schedule | First dose at 12 months, second dose at 18 months. |
| Pharmacy Services | Free measles vaccines, antiviral treatments, and advice for minor conditions.|
| emergency Room Strain | Occupancy rate at 133%; pharmacies urged to handle minor health concerns. |
As Quebec navigates these overlapping health challenges, vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations. The AQPP’s call to action underscores the critical role of pharmacies in safeguarding public health and easing the burden on emergency services.
For more details on measles vaccination and eligibility, visit the CDC’s measles vaccine recommendations.
Quebec Faces Dual Health Crisis: measles Outbreak and Respiratory Viruses Strain Emergency Rooms
quebec is currently navigating a dual health crisis as emergency rooms face unprecedented pressure from a surge in respiratory viruses and a new measles outbreak. The Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires (AQPP) is urging residents to take advantage of vaccination services at local pharmacies to help curb the spread of these diseases. In this interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Thompson, speaks with Dr. Marie-Claude Gagnon,a public health expert and epidemiologist,to discuss the current situation,the importance of vaccination,and the role of pharmacies in alleviating the strain on healthcare systems.
The Measles Outbreak: A Growing Concern
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Gagnon, Quebec has recently reported 11 new cases of measles, marking the second outbreak this year. Can you explain why measles is such a significant concern, especially in 2024?
Dr. Marie-claude Gagnon: Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know of. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes,and the virus can remain active in the habitat for up to two hours. What makes this particularly alarming is that measles can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations like infants under one year, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.Complications can range from pneumonia and ear infections to more serious outcomes like loss of vision or hearing, and in rare cases, even death.
Sarah Thompson: The Quebec vaccination schedule recommends the frist dose of the measles vaccine at 12 months and the second at 18 months. How does this leave infants under one year vulnerable, and what can be done to protect them?
Dr. Marie-Claude gagnon: Infants under one year are particularly vulnerable because they haven’t yet received their first dose of the vaccine. This makes herd immunity—where a high percentage of the population is vaccinated—critical. If those around them, including parents, caregivers, and older siblings, are vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier that reduces the risk of transmission to these young children. That’s why the AQPP is encouraging adults born since 1980 who haven’t received two doses of the vaccine to get vaccinated now.
Pharmacy Services: A Lifeline in the Crisis
Sarah Thompson: The AQPP is promoting pharmacies as a key resource for vaccinations and minor health concerns. How are pharmacies stepping up to address this dual health crisis?
Dr. Marie-Claude Gagnon: Pharmacies are playing a crucial role in this crisis.They’re not only offering free measles vaccinations but also providing antiviral treatments for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or influenza and are at risk of complications. This includes seniors, people with chronic illnesses, and caregivers of vulnerable individuals.Additionally, pharmacists are equipped to offer advice and treatment for minor conditions like colds, shingles, and heartburn, which helps reduce the burden on emergency rooms.
Sarah thompson: With emergency rooms operating at 133% capacity, how can pharmacies help alleviate this strain?
Dr. marie-Claude Gagnon: Pharmacies are becoming a first point of contact for minor health concerns, which is essential in reducing unnecessary visits to emergency rooms. Such as, if someone has cold symptoms and is otherwise healthy, they can consult their pharmacist for advice on managing their symptoms at home. This not only frees up emergency room resources for more critical cases but also ensures that people receive timely and appropriate care.
Vaccination Campaigns: A Call to Action
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Gagnon, you’ve mentioned the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles and other viruses. However, there’s been a recent decline in vaccination rates. What’s driving this trend, and how can we address it?
Dr. Marie-Claude Gagnon: There are several factors contributing to the decline in vaccination rates. One is vaccine fatigue—after the intense focus on COVID-19 vaccinations, some people may feel less urgency about getting other vaccines. Additionally, misinformation about vaccines continues to circulate, which can lead to hesitancy. To address this, we need clear, consistent messaging about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and also easy access to vaccination services. Pharmacies are making it easier than ever to get vaccinated, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of these services.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Sarah Thompson: As we wrap up, what are the key messages you’d like to leave our readers with?
Dr.Marie-Claude Gagnon: First and foremost, vaccination remains our most effective tool in preventing the spread of measles and other infectious diseases. If you or your loved ones are not fully vaccinated, now is the time to act. Second, pharmacies are a valuable resource for vaccinations, antiviral treatments, and advice on managing minor health concerns. By utilizing these services, we can protect ourselves and our communities while easing the strain on emergency rooms. I urge everyone to stay informed and rely on trusted sources for health information. Together, we can navigate this dual health crisis and safeguard public health.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you, dr. Gagnon, for your insights and expertise. It’s clear that vaccination and community cooperation are key to overcoming these challenges.
For more information on measles vaccination and eligibility, visit the CDC’s measles vaccine recommendations.
