Flu driving spike in respiratory illness in B.C., but COVID-19 numbers low

By The Canadian Press and Charles Brockman

New data shared by British Columbia’s Centre for Disease Control shows the province has one of the worst flu rates in Canada, as a holiday-season spike in respiratory illnesses continues.

But the data also shows the province has one of the lowest COVID-19 test positivity rates in the country, at about half the national rate.

Dr. Jennifer Vines, interim medical director for public health response at the B.C. CDC, says respiratory illness has been “steadily climbing” over the past several weeks, with RSV and influenza “driving the increase right now.”

Vines tells 1130 NewsRadio that COVID-19 is currently a “smaller player” but with significant activity.

“I think our main message is that it’s not too late to get vaccinated for influenza. That is a recommendation for everyone six-months [of age] and over,” said Vines.

The report says about 13.5 per cent of samples tested last week were positive for influenza, with influenza A almost entirely responsible.

That’s the second highest rate across the nation, according to Health Canada data that presents a combined figure for the three territories, where the rate is 20.4 per cent.

Vines says British Columbians are likely spreading infections after a busy holiday season.

“I think humans mix. It’s what we do. It feels really good. We’re just coming off the holidays, and so I think these are viruses that are spread through droplets that get out of our nose and mouth and into someone else. So it’s really important to cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, and generally stay home from work and school if you’re feeling sick,” she advised.

She says the elderly, children, and people with underlying medical conditions are at the greatest risk.

“Those under age five are at risk of severe outcomes from influenza; pregnant women as well. So I completely understand people’s desire for social connection — at the same time, some of these are really miserable illnesses that land people in the hospital.”

RSV positivity rates are also elevated in B.C. at 11.9 per cent, compared to the national rate of 10.7 per cent, while the COVID-19 positivity rate is 4.7 per cent, compared to the national 9.2 per cent rate.

Vines says emergency rooms are reporting major numbers for visits concerning respiratory complaints.

Last week, about 12.9 per cent of adults, and 34 per cent of children visiting ERs in B.C. came in with respiratory symptoms — stats which Vines says were actually down from the week before.

To keep the rates down, Vines says, do yourself and others a favour and stay home at the first sign of symptoms.

—With files from Sonia Aslam

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