Manitoba health officials warning of challenging cold and flu season
As the fourth wave of COVID-19 officially hits Manitoba, public health officials are warning of a challenging cold and flu season.
According to Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, staying home when sick is an important tool -- especially now as respiratory illness season is here.
"As we continue our interactions, we're very likely to see a resurgence of other typical respiratory pathogens," he said at a news conference on Monday.
Roussin said rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, is circulating right now in Manitoba, noting other viruses that could show up are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Medical microbiologist Dr. Philippe Lagacé -Wiens said the age group of concern for RSV is children under two
"We're now dealing with the situation where it’s been two years since we've seen RSV,” Lagacé-Wiens said.
“So you've got this whole group of kids that are under two years of age that are typically most susceptible to this virus who have never seen it."
Lagacé-Wiens said there are a few other viruses he's watching-- all of which are difficult to tell apart from COVID-19 just through symptoms.
"(It’s) best to follow those guidance documents from public health,” he said.
“If you've got two of these symptoms, you should get tested. If you only have one, keep a watchful eye, and once they're completely healthy for 24 hours, you can send them back to work or school."
Health officials know taking time off work or school can be a big burden. However, it is important to do if you’re feeling sick.
“Our health-care system is under strain, whatever we can do to minimize the transmission of any of these respiratory viruses is in all of our best interest,” Roussin said.
Tory McNally, who works as a director of human resources, said accommodating time off in the workplace due to COVID-19 is the new normal.
"As long as Manitoba Health can keep up with testing results, the economy can keep chugging,” McNally said.
”But, if we're back to those lag times of four and five days, then that’s where we'll see the problematic outcomes."
Right now, Roussin said test turnaround times are under the target of 48 hours, and as volumes go up, work is happening to hold it there.
Other fundamentals to follow this time of year, according to Roussin, are hand-washing and mask-wearing, as well as getting both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Roussin noted sampling is being done for some respiratory viruses, including rhinovirus, but most symptomatic tests are for COVID-19.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.