meanwhile, ottawa public health declared the start of flu season in the city. that declaration is made when test per cent positivity (the percentage of people tested who are positive) surpasses five per cent for two weeks in a row. cases are expected to continue to rise.
while ottawa public health has live data about covid-19 vaccine uptake, it does not have the same kind of information about how many people, in which age group, have received annual flu shots.
people who are 60 and older, pregnant, have chronic medical conditions or are immunocompromised are at higher risk of severe illness or complications from covid-19 and the flu. in addition, children under five are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
an ottawa public health statement said it expects respiratory illness activity across the city to increase this winter with covid-19, flu and rsv (respiratory syncytial virus) continuing to circulate at the same time.
“respiratory illness can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing and cause unnecessary strain to our health care system.”
in addition to keeping vaccinations up to date, etches and hospital chiefs of staff are encouraging people to stay home when they are sick – meaning when they are free of fever, without medication, and their symptoms have been improving for 24 hours for respiratory illnesss. they are also encouraging people to wear masks, wash their hands often, cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and not visit loved ones in hospital, long-term care or retirement homes while sick.