Residents urged to mask and get vaccinated amid rising risk of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses
With the onset of colder months, Hamilton Public Health Services is advising residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families from common respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
According to a news release from Hamilton Public Health Services, increased indoor gatherings in the fall and winter raise the risk of these illnesses spreading. To address this, the city is urging residents to adopt a multi-layered approach to prevention, which includes vaccination and masking.
In a public statement, Hamilton’s medical officer of health, Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, emphasized the importance of protecting the community through preventative actions. “We encourage everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, to get both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines,” said Richardson
Public health officials advise all residents aged six months and older to get both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time to maximize protection. Additionally, they recommend regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when unwell and frequent hand sanitizing.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available at participating pharmacies and Hamilton Health Services vaccine clinics.
The McMaster Student Wellness Centre is offering flu shots by appointment for students on Nov. 4, 11 and 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students must book in advance and bring their student ID and a valid UHIP card.
For more information on nearby pharmacy vaccine locations, visit the Government of Ontario’s website.
Ronald McDonald's South Central Ontario location shared how flu-season has disrupted their operations and encouraged community to take steps to protect their health
Hamilton hospitals are currently experiencing issues related to over capacity. In an interview with Global News, Hamilton Health Sciences shared that the McMaster Children's Hospital reached 112 per cent capacity on Oct. 19. Furthermore, they shared the rise in admissions had led to the cancellation of their pre-scheduled care.
A press release from Public Health Ontario, shared on Nov. 3, indicated they were expecting there to be an increase in COVID-19 between Oct. 29 to Nov. 11, 2023 based on data from the previous two weeks.
Moreover, Public Health Ontario's Respiratory Virus Tool indicated a gradual increase in cases since September 2023.
This recent spike in flu and COVID-19 cases directly impacts pediatric patients residing at Ronald McDonald House, which provide families a place to stay together while their children undergo treatment at local hospitals.
The South Central Ontario location, located right beside McMaster University's main campus and McMaster's Children's Hospital, provides accommodations primarily for those in the Niagara, Halton, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Branford regions.
Mario De Divitiis, chief executive officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario, shared that often children that stay at their location are critically ill and unable to be serviced at their local hospitals. The house allows parents of patients, who are usually not local to Hamilton, to be able to more easily visit their children and get the proper treatment.
Divitiis has noticed the uptick in cases, but he also noted that it typically occurs for them every year around this time. However, rising flu and COVID-19 cases can restrict their ability to admit patients as per usual. As demand increases, accommodation becomes more difficult.
“Yes, we've become accustomed to [over capacity] over the last few years. Unfortunately, there's no great way to prepare for it. Outside of educating the community around how to practice healthy habits,” said Diviitiis
Yes, we've become accustomed to [over capacity] over the last few years. Unfortunately, there's no great way to prepare for it. Outside of educating the community around how to practice healthy habits.
Mario De Divitiis, chief executive officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
Divitiis also shared that their staff is has been impacted by the rise in flu cases, with members falling ill with COVID and other flu-like sicknesses, which also greatly impairs their organization's ability to serve the patients and their families.
“When it does get overloaded, when it does get compromised, you're risking staff getting sick, you're risking staff to do more with the resources that they have. It's not a good recipe,” said Divitiis.
Divitiis believed the best way to manage the influx of flu cases is to educate the community. That includes emphasis on not touching one’s own eyes, mouth, nose and ears, as these are the most common areas of transmission.
Additionally, he mentioned that it’s important to check in with one’s self and ask if you’re current state of health would jeopardize those around you. If you feel that the answer leans towards no, to make sure you are taking the extra steps to protect yourself and those around you.
Would you visit your grandmother or grandfather this way? If you're that sick, would you be comfortable to give them a hug?. . . If you're not feeling that way, then maybe it's best to take a couple of extra measures by staying home that day if you're not feeling well.
Mario De Divitiis, chief executive officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
Ultimately, as respiratory sicknesses, including COVID-19 and flu, increase in circulation in the McMaster community, everyone is encouraged to do their best to mitigate transmission.
