Now that the holiday season is over, medical experts are providing an update on the health of British Columbians following indoor gatherings.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has revealed that flu activity remains high, while RSV cases are moderate and COVID-19 cases are relatively low based on the most recent data.
Dr. Jennifer Vines, the Medical Director of Public Health Response at BCCDC, shared that influenza has been spreading rapidly since the start of the year. She mentioned that a significant portion of respiratory virus tests are coming back positive for influenza, particularly the H3N2 strain, which tends to cause more severe illnesses.
Furthermore, Dr. Vines highlighted a rise in RSV test positivity across all age groups, while COVID-19 remains at low levels. The overall increase in respiratory viruses has led to a surge in hospital visits in recent weeks.
Despite some uncertainties in the data due to the holiday period, Dr. Vines emphasized that it provides a valuable insight into the current health situation. She urged individuals to consider getting the flu vaccine, emphasizing that even partial protection can help prevent severe illnesses and alleviate strain on healthcare systems.
Dr. Vines also pointed out that the respiratory illness season typically extends into the spring, underscoring the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza B, which is covered by this year’s vaccine.
Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are readily available at pharmacies throughout British Columbia, with the option for patients to receive both vaccines simultaneously.