Autumn in Canada is known not only for crisp breezes and colorful fall foliage, but also for a new wave of respiratory viral infections.
Infectious disease experts say it's too early to predict exactly how serious this year's major respiratory infections will be.
However, high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are encouraged to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. Once the shots are available.
Here's what else experts think Canadians need to know about this fall and winter respiratory virus season.
Canadian Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report Of all the respiratory virus tests Canada is monitoring, tests for COVID-19 are currently the most likely to return a positive result, according to a report released this week.
As of October 10, the positive response rate for coronavirus tests was 9.6%, compared to 0.6% for influenza tests and 0.3% for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tests.
Positive test results for both coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus Slightly less than last yearwhile this year's flu test results are slightly higher.
Dr. Alison McGeer, an infectious disease expert at the University of Toronto, says RSV transmission rates are usually fairly stable.
The arrival of the H3N2 influenza subtype has been delayed in the Southern Hemisphere, potentially impacting the influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere, including Canada.
"Of course, influenza is always anyone's guess," McGeer said. dose The moderator is Dr. Brian Goldman.
Regarding COVID-19, McGeer said of predictive models: Johns Hopkins University students, etc. Suggests the range of potential severity of the virus.
"The whole world is literally watching this year," McGeer said. "It is simply impossible to predict whether the winter season of COVID-19 will continue and how severe it will be."
Experts also note that the type of influenza strain circulating and which COVID-19 variants are predominant could affect the severity.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti says waves of respiratory infections are fairly predictable, regardless of severity.
The season begins in September when most children return to school and gradually increases from November to January.
"Respiratory viruses, particularly influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, are on the rise and this can put stress on the health care system," Chakrabarti said.
expert recommend Wear a mask in crowded environments as well as hospitals and long-term care facilities. Staying home when you're sick and washing your hands regularly can also help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
McGeer said the current batches of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines should provide reasonable protection against each virus.
Regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, McGeer said, "We hope that the vaccines we will administer this fall will cover us through the winter.''
canadian Latest vaccines available Also protects from Novel coronavirus infection LP.8.1 strain, This is a descendant of the Micron strain.
The COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent hospitalization and hospitalization. some research Suggests that vaccination helps protect against the effects of Condition after new coronavirus infectionalso known as Long COVID.
The RSV vaccine is Recommended All adults aged 75 and older and high-risk adults aged 60 to 74 are eligible.
Parents of newborns up to 8 months of age and high-risk children up to 24 months of age are also recommended to vaccinate their children with RSV vaccine.
RSV vaccine can be given during pregnancy.
He added that data from the Southern Hemisphere shows that influenza vaccination is nearly 50% effective, and the numbers "couldn't be better."
"When it comes to vaccines, there's a huge tendency to say, '40 percent, who would want 40 percent?' The answer is, yes, because 40 percent is not 100 percent. And it's much better than zero," she said.
Regarding when to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alberta, says people should not put off getting vaccinated just because they have recently developed coronavirus-like symptoms.
"There are so many viruses circulating this summer and early fall that we can't just assume it's COVID-19," she says.
She says it's best to get the vaccine within three to six months of a previous infection.
"It's not dangerous to get infected early, but getting infected too early basically doesn't help prolong immunity as much," Saxinger says.
Additionally, the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines is the responsibility of state health authorities. Therefore, vaccine availability varies by state.
Saxinger recommends checking your state's health website to find out when respiratory vaccines will be available in your state and who will be eligible for free vaccinations when supply becomes available.