Health officials prepare for rise in illness following holidays

A gradual stream of individuals have been visiting the emergency division on the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, N.S., with respiratory sickness and Influenza A.

“We’re seeing it in little youngsters, we’re seeing it in working aged adults, and we’re seeing it within the aged. So, it appears to be a reasonably vast spectrum of individuals being affected by influenza this yr,” stated Dr. Margaret Fraser, a Cape Breton doctor.

On Prince Edward Island, officers have declared an influenza outbreak at a long-term care facility and have restricted guests to the house.

“It is a development we have seen worldwide. Australia had their respiratory season early. Ontario and the remainder of Canada has seen their respiratory season early, so it simply appears to be the way it’s taking place this yr,” stated Fraser.

Fraser says it’s unclear why the flu is hitting earlier and lasting longer in some circumstances.

Nova Scotia Well being says 394 new circumstances of Influenza A have been reported between Dec. 11 and Dec. 17.

Of these, 59 folks have been hospitalized, whereas three died.

“Evidently perhaps within the final week with reporting within the province that perhaps the flu had peaked, however on this subsequent week to 2 week interval, I might anticipate which may change a little bit bit with all the gatherings,” stated Graham MacKenzie, a pharmacist.

In New Brunswick, the province’s newest replace confirmed 10 new flu deaths, bringing the whole variety of deaths this season to 30.

There have been additionally 146 new hospitalizations reported throughout the week of Dec. 4 to Dec. 10.

Empty cabinets and the dearth of over-the-counter medicines at pharmacies in our area can also be making it harder for folks to alleviate signs.

“Our advice is that for those who’re experiencing a fever or have a cough that is lasting greater than a few weeks and also you’re simply not getting higher, it is in all probability at some extent the place you must get it checked out,” stated MacKenzie.

Usually, the standard flu season within the Maritimes would not begin to ramp up till the brand new yr.

Well being officers say it is essential to get a flu shot and put on a masks.