As vaccine clinics open up in Thunder Bay, experts urge vigilance heading into cold and flu season | CBC News

As COVID-19 and the influenza vaccines start to become available in Thunder Bay, the city’s medical officer of health is already warning local hospitals could soon be under strain.

“We’re seeing more of a increase in COVID-19 right now compared to even last year at this time,” said Dr. Janet DeMille. “So that does concern me, especially if it dovetails with influenza.”

DeMille said this uptick in respiratory viruses has also caused an increase in emergency department visits in Thunder Bay over the past four weeks. 

Young children and older adults are most likely to see the biggest effects, DeMille said, with people over 60 or under two years old most at-risk. People with underlying health conditions, including people who may be immunocompromised, are also urged to be careful. 

“Right now, it’s a great time to get the vaccines,” said DeMille. Clinics, pharmacies and health care providers throughout the city will be offering both COVID and flu vaccines. 

DeMille recommended those who think they might be sick consider limiting contact and masking when possible. 

“A well-fitted mask can reduce the chance that you’re spreading it to somebody else or that you’re getting it from somebody else,” she said. 

Spread of viruses inevitable

The main virus currently circulating is COVID, explained Dr. Peter Lin, a medical columnist for CBC Radio, but rhinoviruses and enteroviruses are also present. They cause cold-like symptoms in most people, said Lin. The flu and RSV can be expected to also increase in prevalence over the next couple weeks, he said.

“We will be surrounded by viruses,” said Lin. “The virus forecast is not looking good.”

Lin said the usual pathway of viruses like these starts with children contracting illness at school, bringing it home to parents, then eventually the virus will be transmitted to someone who is at high risk, such as a grandparent or someone with and underlying medical condition.

He predicts we could be progressing to that last step where the most vulnerable end up hospitalized in October or November, if measures are not taken to contain the virus,

When kids get sick, Lin recommends putting a mask or face shield on them to mitigate spread. “Picture your child as a virus-factory,” Lin said. Physical distancing also helps, but is difficult to do when caring for someone who is sick. Lin recommended that those who can’t distance from sick loved ones wear a mask and shield while near them.  

“Our healthcare system can’t take another season like last year,” he said. “If we do this containment thing well, then the virus cannot spread and everything will be fine.”