Canadians should pay close attention, Federal Public Health urges, as respiratory viruses experience an abrupt start to the domestic season, immunity to COVID-19 decreases, and contacts increase as restrictions ease sanitation and the onset of health. cold season.
Flu activity has seen “marked growth” and the 5% seasonal threshold for laboratory test positivity has already been exceeded, Canada Public Health Agency Deputy Chief Administrator Dr Howard noted Thursday. Njoo, at a press conference.
Dr Njoo said indicators like this highlight “the need for more precautions” as seasonal respiratory viruses could be circulating simultaneously in the coming weeks.
Public health has insisted on its three main recommendations, namely to receive a dose of the bivalent vaccine – which contains the original strain and Omicron – if six months have passed since the last dose or an infection and to benefit from it for receive a flu shot, wear a face mask “especially in crowded or poorly ventilated places” to protect the airways and wash your hands, and finally stay at home in case of symptoms.
While insisting that he does not have a “crystal ball” to predict whether COVID-19 will return strongly in the coming months, Dr Njoo said the situation for this virus is “stable” and “possibly increasing”. However, he added that the situation is dynamic and that the season of respiratory infectious diseases in general must be taken into account in the analysis.
“Canadians have a job to do” when it comes to vaccinations, said Dr Njoo. While many have received their first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, “the news isn’t that good” when it comes to booster doses, he said.
As for pandemic fatigue, Dr Njoo acknowledged that “it’s normal, everyone is tired after two and a half years of a pandemic.” However, he urged people to find “a balance”, especially since good sanitation habits are now well known.
Public health has insisted that it’s not just about protecting yourself, but about protecting others as well.
