UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 18, 4 p.m.
Renfrew County’s Medical Officer of Health is urging people to get flu shots, saying that positive tests of influenza have been doubling week to week.
Dr. Robert Cushman says this year’s flu vaccine is an “excellent match” for this year’s strain of the virus.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit also says cases of RSV are at an “all-time high.” That’s troubling for young children, their families and the health system, because there’s no vaccine to combat a surge of RSV.
And COVID-cases are stable, but new strains of the virus are expected to arrive.
Cushman says if people don’t take steps to stop the spread, they jeopardize the safety of children, schools and the economy, which needs healthy workers.
And, a rise in respiratory illnesses among children is being felt at St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
This was confirmed in a brief email to Moose FM from Chief Operating Officer Greg McLeod.
He says the Barry’s Bay-based hospital is seeing an “appreciable” increase in cases, but did not go into details. He says it’s a reminder for people to follow public health guidelines.
Hospitals officials across the province are saying they’re seeing an increase in children’s illnesses, linked to increasing spread of RSV, influenza and COVID-19.
For instance, Quinte Health Care, which serves neighbouring Hastings County, says it pediatric units are at 135 per cent capacity.
The Renfrew County District Health Unit is also asking people to “get back to the basics” to prevent the spread of viruses.
In a recent social post, the unit asks people to wear masks in public spaces, stay up to date with vaccinations and stay home if you’re sick.
It also asks people to screen for respiratory systems every day and frequently clean your hands and high-touch surfaces.