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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.