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home / 世界杯决赛2022

'take simple, daily actions to help prevent the spread': alberta's new top doctor on respiratory illness surge

"over the last few weeks, alberta has seen an increase in reports of symptoms such as cough and fever in schools and daycares. we are monitoring the situation in schools closely."

by nicole bergot

nov 17 2022
read time 3 minute read
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dr. mark joffe, alberta health services vice president and medical director, has been named as alberta's interim chief medical officer of health. ian kucerak / postmedia, file
alberta’s new interim chief medical officer of health is urging citizens to take common sense steps to help stop the spread of respiratory illnesses surging in schools and clogging hospitals.
dr. mark joffe, named interim chief medical officer of health this week to replace dr. deena hinshaw, issued a statement wednesday afternoon about the increase of respiratory viruses in alberta.
he said influenza season is upon us and everyone should take steps to get a flu shot and cut the spread of illness.
“winter is historically the peak season for respiratory infections. like other jurisdictions, alberta is seeing an early rise in seasonal infections including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (rsv) and covid-19, and is expecting a severe season,” said joffe in the statement.
alberta’s flu season, and canada’s, often mirrors that of australia, which this year had a severe respiratory virus season.
“in australia, the highest rates of influenza disease were in children and teenagers, and children under 16 years of age accounted for the majority of influenza hospitalizations. influenza can also have a severe impact on the elderly,” he said.
“while most children, youth and adults recover from the flu without complications, some can get very sick and need to be treated in hospital.
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“we can expect to see similar outcomes in alberta. over the last few weeks, alberta has seen an increase in reports of symptoms such as cough and fever in schools and daycares. we are monitoring the situation in schools closely.”
the province will continue its practice of managing such illnesses in general, with local public health officials notifying schools of outbreaks and giving them advice and support as needed.
“transmission levels will fluctuate over time and between communities. we encourage albertans to judge their risk at any point in time and take appropriate precautions,” he said, adding easy ways to help stop the spread include:
  • staying home when feeling sick.
  • staying up to date on vaccinations, and talking to a physician or other care provider if you have questions.
  • wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask can help reduce the risk of becoming sick and help protect others from being exposed. albertans should be supported regardless of their choice to mask or not.
  • if possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • regularly cleaning hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • maintaining good respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes.
  • avoiding or limiting time spent in crowded indoor places.
  • cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and items at home, especially when someone in your home is sick.
  • booking immunization appointments, noting that flu and covid-19 vaccines are available at participating pharmacies and community medical clinics, and select ahs sites. bookings are available through the alberta vaccine booking system at alberta.ca/vaccine or by calling health link at 811.

some pharmacies can accommodate walk-ins. if a local pharmacy is not listed in the booking system, contact them directly or visit bluecross.ca to find a pharmacy.

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those who live on a first nations reserve can access immunization appointments through nursing stations or public health clinics on-reserve.
joffe’s statement adds that the flu begins with a sudden onset of fever, body aches, headache and fatigue but most healthy people will recover within seven to 10 days. rsv, meanwhile, is one of the most common viral infections in childhood, especially during the colder months. for many kids, rsv symptoms look like a common cold. for others, including young babies or children with lung diseases or weakened immune systems, symptoms can be more severe and lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

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