This flu season shaping up to be 'heavier' than last year, says P.E.I.'s top doctor
Dr. Heather Morrison urges Islanders to make sure they're vaccinated as flu cases climb
Prince Edward Island's chief public health officer says this flu season is ramping up to be more significant than last year's, and anyone who's not already vaccinated should seek out a shot.
Dr. Heather Morrison said the province has seen a rise in influenza cases in recent weeks, with the peak arriving much later than in 2024. Last year, the peak happened at the beginning of January; it's about eight weeks later this year.
"This is a respiratory season that is, I think, shaping up to be possibly even heavier than last year," she told CBC News. "We're right in the midst of that, the highest numbers of our season to date."
The Island recorded 130 lab-confirmed influenza cases last week — the highest of this winter so far, she said, with a test positivity rate of around 37 per cent. Last year's peak week involved 115 cases and a 32 per cent positivity rate.
This surge is not unique to P.E.I.
The Public Health Agency of Canada's latest Flu Watch report shows influenza test positivity has reached its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates continuing to rise across several provinces.
Young children, seniors most affected
In addition to influenza, Morrison said the province is also seeing high numbers of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and ongoing COVID-19 cases, which are putting additional pressure on the health-care system.
The most affected age groups are young children up to four years old and adults over 65, she said.
"Of those individuals who've been hospitalized, 75 per cent of them have not had their annual influenza vaccine," Morrison said.
"We had three respiratory illness outbreaks last week alone, and we continue to monitor those every week. And they tend to happen in schools, long-term care, community-care facilities."
We also encouraged parents and guardians to keep children home if they're feeling unwell to help prevent the spread of illness.— Public Schools Branch statement
In a statement, the Public Schools Branch said student absences due to illness have been on the rise this winter. Summerside's Athena Consolidated in particular has seen an increase in absences, and in response, staff are focusing on disinfecting high-touch surfaces and reinforcing hand-washing and hygiene practices.
"We also encouraged parents and guardians to keep children home if they're feeling unwell to help prevent the spread of illness and ensure students can return when they're feeling better," the statement reads.
Health P.E.I. said it's seen an increase in outbreaks of both COVID and influenza over the past few weeks, the majority in long-term care homes, with an average of 13 to 25 patients per day on precautions for respiratory illness across its facilities.
"When patients are placed on precautions, it means everyone — staff and visitors entering the patient's room — are required to wear personal protective equipment," Health P.E.I. said in a written statement on Wednesday afternoon.
"For respiratory illnesses, this includes gloves, gowns, masks and eye protection."
Importance of vaccination
Morrison said it's crucial for people to get vaccinated to reduce their chances of being seriously ill or needing medical treatment.
Flu shots can provide protection against both influenza strains, and those at high risk are encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccinations as well, she added.
As for RSV vaccines, access is limited to high-risk infants and individuals aged 60 and above living in long-term and community-care facilities. Morrison hopes eligibility for RSV vaccines can be expanded to other demographic groups next year.
Besides vaccination, she said it's also important to follow basic public health measures, such as washing hands thoroughly, staying home when sick, and avoiding close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
The current high numbers of influenza cases may represent the peak of the season, and the province may start to see a decline in the coming weeks, Morrison said.
With files from Nicola MacLeod