Number of flu cases rise as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted
The variety of Islanders with the flu is rising, and it is no coincidence it comes at a time when COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, well being officers say.
There have been 37 lab-confirmed instances of influenza on P.E.I. this yr, all after April. Eight had been in hospital, together with one in ICU. Final yr, P.E.I. had no lab-confirmed instances of the flu.
The precise case numbers are simply a sign of how the flu is now spreading, since many individuals do not see a health care provider in the event that they get sick, mentioned Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief public well being officer.
“I believe it speaks to the truth that we can be seeing actually different viruses circulating, not simply now, however it’ll occur within the fall and subsequent winter as nicely. And it is linked to adjustments throughout the nation and as nicely concerning our public well being measures.”
Rising numbers throughout nation
The rising numbers are comparable to what’s occurring throughout the nation.
Lots of the instances on P.E.I. have been kids. The median age is about 12.
Although many of the province’s COVID-19 restrictions have now ended, Morrison believes many Islanders have discovered classes that may stick to them after the pandemic ends.
“I believe we’re all studying so much in regards to the significance of those an infection prevention management measures. I imply, we have been speaking for a few years about staying house if you’re sick, washing your arms and likewise masking.”
Extra persons are returning to pre-pandemic actions and gatherings throughout the nation.
Competing viruses
However Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti, an infectious illness specialist from Toronto, mentioned there are different causes for a surge in flu numbers, as nicely.
“Respiratory viruses compete with one another. There’s many extra than simply influenza and COVID. Within the final two years, clearly, COVID has had an enormous benefit. And the attention-grabbing factor that you just see in locations that did not do any masking or bodily distancing, akin to Florida, you noticed low instances there as nicely. And this was a really constant sample around the globe.”
That push and pull between COVID-19 and influenza will should be studied within the years to return, Chakrabarti mentioned.
He added that a specific amount of publicity to diseases just like the flu is definitely wholesome, particularly for youngsters.
