We are in the middle of the flu season, but this year it will be more virulent than the last two years according to the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ). In addition, these are the two types of the virus, A and B, which affect the Quebec population. Normally, this situation does not happen.
Christmas was a stressful time with an influenza activity index of 35%, while for the week of January 4 it was 29.47%. However, this rate remains relatively high. By winter 2018-2019, it had not exceeded 30% while the previous year it was 25%.
Since the end of November, cases of influenza B have been reported, although it usually occurs in February and March. Experts add that H1N1 and H3N2 are also present. It is not excluded that in the worst case the influenza season extends to summer Situation in the region
Emergencies in Chaudière-Appalaches are overflowing at this time and in particular the Saint-Georges hospital which has an occupancy rate of 129% at the present time and continues to climb. Last week, the establishment was forced to restrict visits to the first floor due to an epidemic of gastroenteritis and influenza.
Effectiveness of the vaccine
In November, the flu vaccination campaign was launched. The people most at risk of complications from the virus are people with chronic illnesses and people over the age of 75. Last year, the vaccine’s effectiveness rate was 72% nationwide. You can still get vaccinated until the end of January. In Beauce, you must contact your CLSC to make an appointment.
What to do in case of flu
In several regions of Quebec, winter clinics for these cases have been set up, but unfortunately there are none in Beauce.
Before you consult a healthcare practitioner, you should assess whether you have the symptoms of the flu, not a cold. To identify them, you can read this Government of Quebec online document. Afterwards, if you really have a case of the flu, you should make an appointment with your family doctor. In case you don’t have one, you can register for online walk-in where some clinics in the region accept patients. Emergencies are the place of last resort. It should not be forgotten that this service concerns immediate cases requiring urgent care.
For more information or resources, the Info-Santé 811 24-hour telephone line is accessible to everyone.
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