London hospitals seeing sharp rise in respiratory illness
CBC
Flu season has started early this year, according to an update from local health officials, who report hospitals are seeing more admissions, emergency room visits, and community outbreaks.
Respiratory illness has been increasing rapidly this month, and influenza is the primary driver, said Dr. Christie MacDonald, Vice Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
"As we move further into the season, it's an important reminder of the value of prevention, especially vaccination," she said.
In a community update on Wednesday, MacDonald announced 163 positive influenza test results the previous week, compared with only seven during the same period last year.
On the other hand, she said there were only 15 positive COVID-19 tests last week, down from 67 in 2024.
Based on the current trends, cases of respiratory illness are expected to peak earlier than usual, MacDonald said, likely in late December.
The Influenza A variant H3N2 is dominating the season, which differs slightly from the strain in this year's flu shot, she explained, but the vaccine still helps reduce serious illness, she added.
For children and teens, the shot still provides around 75 per cent protection against hospital visits, and up to 39 per cent for adults, she said. It also protects against H1N1 and Influenza B strains, which are circulating in the community.
"Getting vaccinated reduces severe illness, hospital visits and deaths, and it's especially important for residents of long-term care and retirement homes," she said. "When recommended, flu shots can be given at the same time as COVID-19 or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines."
Hospitals run by LHSC have also introduced safety measures to protect vulnerable patients and reduce transmission.
As of Dec. 15, all healthcare workers will wear masks during any patient contact, though masks will be optional in non-clinical areas, MacDonald announced. Patients and visitors are encouraged to wear one as well, especially when symptomatic or in high-risk clinical areas, she added.
As flu season continues, MacDonald recommended staying home if you feel sick, washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask in crowded or clinical spaces, and improving indoor airflow when possible, she said.
People over 75 should also discuss the RSV vaccine with their healthcare provider, she added.
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