As respiratory viruses surge in Manitoba, here's how you can protect yourself
CTV
Respiratory viruses are on the rise in Manitoba and across the country, with influenza, COVID-19 and RSV putting a strain on the health-care system, especially the Children’s Hospital.
Respiratory viruses are on the rise in Manitoba and across the country, with influenza, COVID-19 and RSV putting a strain on the health-care system, especially the Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, said for the first time in a few years, there is a resurgence of the typical viruses that are seen this time of year, including RSV and influenza A.
“With RSV and influenza A, we’re seeing a significant strain, especially in the Children’s Hospital, with the rise in those infections,” he said in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Monday.
“During the pandemic, we really didn’t see many of those viruses.”
Roussin explained that this year there is an early and severe respiratory virus season as people begin to interact in ways they didn’t during the pandemic.
He added that for the past few years, children have not been exposed to things like RSV, which has caused a resurgence with many getting sick.
To stop the spread of these respiratory viruses, Roussin said people should take an overall approach to prevent infections, including hand-washing, staying home when sick, and ensuring they’re up to date on the vaccines that are available.
