A triple outbreak is likely to increase the number of hospitalizations starting in the winter in Quebec. COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all joining together.
Posted at 5:00
The flu and syncytial virus arrived earlier than normal this year. Between 23 and 29 October, 57 Quebecers tested positive for influenza (the flu) and 477 for syncytial virus. These cases come as Omicron’s sub-variants are under high surveillance in the United States and Europe.
Between October 16 and 22, more than 1 in 10 cases in Quebec were linked to these sub-variants – BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 – which is nearly double the previous week.
Virologist Alain Lamarre explains that conditions are conducive to the spread of respiratory viruses this year. School and business closures are a thing of the past, face masks are falling out and social distancing is no longer applied in all circumstances.
“What we used as a preventative measure for COVID has worked for other viruses. With the abolition of these measures, it could be a normal year for influenza and RSV, which will add to COVID cases, “says the immunology and virology expert at the National Research Institute Scientist (INRS). .
Increased pressure on a fragile system
However, there is no indication that the flu virus will be stronger than normal even if it arrives sooner. The number of patients infected with RSV is also not alarming. Cases of COVID-19 are expected to increase as colder temperatures arrive, as people stay longer indoors, said Dr.r Lamarre.
I don’t think the number of infections will get out of control, but it is still worrying because the health system, as we know, is fragile.
Alain Lamarre, expert in immunology and virology at the National Institute for Scientific Research
“It is not due to the particularly heavy traffic. This is because the hospital’s capacity has decreased a lot. It is understaffed, which means the health system is less able to take what it used to control in previous years, ”she adds.
Nathalie Grandvaux, professor of biochemistry at the University of Montreal, also says that the triple epidemic, a term born in the United States, could have a “major impact” on our health system. “Our healthcare system is collapsing. If we add pressure, we will have to eliminate care for other patients. Everyone should be concerned because everyone knows someone who needs treatment for something other than a respiratory virus, “she says.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
Influenza vaccination remains an important tool for limiting pressure on hospitals.
However, the researcher wants to be reassuring. The COVID-19 vaccine has reduced the number of hospitalizations. The flu shot, while we don’t yet know its effectiveness for the next season, will also limit symptoms.
We have the means, we have learned how to limit transmission and how to prevent hospitalizations in recent years […]. To get out of it, you need to use the available vaccination tools.
Nathalie Grandvaux, professor of biochemistry at the University of Montreal
It also reiterates that ventilation, hand washing, and wearing a mask in a crowd or when showing flu-like symptoms are proven measures.
An outbreak of flu in the United States
In the United States, the triplicedemia or the tridemic raises even more concern. On Friday, the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Infections held a press conference to take stock of the three epidemics raging at the same time.
“We are seeing the highest rates of hospitalization for influenza in a decade,” said the director of the center, Dr.r José Romero. Conversely, the flu vaccination rate is lower than last year.
The Dr Romero also outlined the emergency plan that will be put in place if hospitals start to overflow. For example, staff and equipment could be sent to them.
“As the holidays approach, vaccination remains the best protection against infection,” he said.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are currently being offered. Clinical trials are ongoing for two RSV vaccines.
