Flu, RSV cases still rising as illness season nears peak

British Columbia is nearing the peak of its respiratory illness season, with cases of influenza, RSV, and even COVID-19, showing increases.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said in an update Wednesday, Influenza A, or H1N1, is still at high levels, as is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

“They’ve been steadily increasing over the last few weeks,” she said.

Henry said the season is unfolding very similar to the types of influenza seasons B.C. saw prior to the pandemic, and it means the worst may still be to come.

“We are not out of the woods yet,” she remarked. “We will continue to see high rates of influenza and RSV for the next few weeks. I expect if it follows patterns that we’ve seen before that we may have a peak in the next week or so, but we know that, as we’re coming down that curve, the same number of people are going to be infected as well.”

B.C.’s top doctor said there has been an uptick of COVID-19 cases since the holidays, particularly in adults over 60, and in hospitalizations.

“It’s not as high as the levels we were seeing in September, but its starting to creep up, and in different parts of the province.”

Henry said as of last week, 219 people were in hospital with COVID, with 26 in critical care.

She added overall, more than 10,000 people are in hospitals this week, with respiratory illnesses driving some of that pressure, particularly young people in emergency departments.

The health officer said given the current situation, it’s not too late to get vaccinated, which many people have not done so far.

Only 17 per cent of children, who are eligible, have had their updated flu vaccine.

About 25 per cent of B.C. residents have received the updated Covid vaccine which includes about about half of the people in the highest risk group, over age 80.

Henry said overall, 1.5 million doses of the flu vaccine and 1.4 million of the updated Covid shots have been delivered, and they are still available.

“With people going back to schools and work, there is increased potential for transmission of illness. It reminds us of practicing the healthy habits of around staying home, particularly if we have a fever — that’s a good sign that you might be infectious to others — and doing our part to limit the spread of influenza, Covid and all of the other viruses that we’re continuing to see.”

RSV cases are increasing, especially in young children, which Henry said is “a very scary illness for parents.”

“The good news is that most kids do well when they are treated, often in the emergency department. We encourage people to make sure they take their child in if they have any concerns.”

Henry noted Health Canada has given recent approval for a new RSV vaccine for pregnant people that provides protection to the parent and their child for the first few months of their life.

The vaccine is not yet available in Canada.

“I am hopeful we will have the vaccine available for seniors and for pregnant people by next respiratory season,” she said.

Henry said they have seen an increase in flu outbreaks in long-term care homes.

“Some of these have been H3N2, and we know that that can cause severe illness in long- term care.”

There were 24 influenza outbreaks reported the last two months at long-term care homes.

“We need to remember this is brought in by people who are visiting or working in long-term care,” the doctor stated.

The BC Centre for Disease Control recently reported three pediatric-influenza-related deaths in B.C. These were deaths in which influenza was a contributing factor, but not necessarily the primary cause of death.

“I’m deeply saddened by the pediatric-influenza-related deaths and my thoughts are with the children’s families and friends,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said. “As the new year begins and as we are at the peak of the respiratory illness season, our government continues to work hard to ensure that people get the health care they need when they need it across our province. We appreciate everyone for taking action to avoid getting sick. There are still lots of opportunities to get vaccinated and I encourage everyone to do so for the protection of their loved ones.”