He mentioned that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which mainly affects young children, had already peaked a few days ago, and that its circulation is decreasing. The effect of that slowdown should be reflected in pediatric care units in the coming weeks. On the other side, the influenza’s peak has still not arrived.

“It’s a virus in strong progression,” Boileau said. “All indicators of the flu season started much faster than usual. There’s high activity, and it’s on its way to even higher.”

He added that December is likely to be tough on that side, and he expects a peak by the end of 2022.

It’s a similar case for the COVID-19 situation, which is gaining momentum again in Quebec. That is largely due to the increased presence of the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 variants, which have become the dominant strains in the province.

No Measure for Now

Despite the difficult month that awaits Quebecers, Boileau confirmed he will not issue new recommendations for health measures.

He still invites all citizens to get a dose of vaccine against the various viruses, including the influenza, which was made available free of charge to the entire population a little over a week ago.

That’s particularly recommended for people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and parents of children under six months.

Among the other possible actions, Boileau noted the fact of staying at home when flu symptoms are appearing, wearing a mask in busy environments, and limiting the exposure of young children by reducing outings and visits.

As for the mask in schools, he doesn’t believe it’s necessary to force everyone to wear it. However, he recommends it for all those wishing to do so, as well as students and staff members with symptoms, such as a sore throat or cough.

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L’article Influenza and COVID-19: Possible Peak in December est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

In particular, it invites the public to wear a mask in all busy places, except for schools.

She also reiterates the importance of handwashing, which “will protect against viruses such as influenza”, we can read in a press release.

Public Health completes its recommendations by asking that anyone who shows symptoms of respiratory infection stay home until the fever stops, and wear a mask in the presence of symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion.

“Many efforts are being made to reduce the current pressure in emergencies, but the increased transmission of many viruses is complicating the situation,” said Minister of Health Christian Dubé. “We need everyone’s collaboration to limit the risk of spread, and it begins with monitoring its symptoms, and showing solidarity with people most vulnerable to various respiratory diseases, as well as with our health care workers.”

It’s also recommended to better protect children under three months of age, by avoiding bringing together too many people at the same time in hospital rooms, or in homes where they are, so they’re not exposed to the circulating viruses. (N.P.)

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L’article Public Health Recommends Wearing a Mask est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

That brings Laval’s total to 76,793 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.

Unfortunately, 1,160 Laval citizens died from it, which represents an increase of one compared to the previous seven days.

As for vaccination, 89.7 per cent of Laval’s population received at least one dose of vaccine. Of them, 87 per cent have received their second dose, and 50.4 per cent got a first booster dose. That data is at 18.4 per cent when it comes to the second booster dose. In total, it represents 1,038,063 doses given in the region since the start of vaccinations.

It’s the ninth highest provincial total behind Montreal (5,119,473), the Montérégie (3,427,706), the Capitale-Nationale (1,932,228), the Laurentides (1,495,000), the Mauricie and the Centre-du -Quebec (1,280,624), Lanaudière (1,244,439), the Estrie (1,225,289) and Chaudière-Appalaches (1,072,002).

The CISSS also specified that 60 employees of its network (increase of 11) were absent from work due to the virus.

To clarify, the data used for confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now coming from the laboratory database, rather than from the Public Health Trajectories (TSP) information system as before.

This new method no longer makes it possible to present data from Laval’s sectors, since the information on the place of residence is often incorrectly entered, or missing. (N.P.)

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L’article 209 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

This brings Laval’s total to 75,522 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.

However, let’s recall that the general population can now obtain rapid screening tests, and that screening centres offer PCR tests to only specific groups of the population, which could explain such a variation in the data from the last 29 reports.

Unfortunately, 1,145 Laval citizens died from it, which represents an increase of one compared to the previous seven days.

As for vaccination, 90 per cent of Laval’s population received at least one dose of vaccine. Of them, 87.3 per cent have received their second dose, and 50.3 per cent got a first booster dose. That data drops to 15.6 per cent when it comes to the second booster dose. In total, it represents 1,008,293 doses given in the region since the start of vaccinations.

It’s the ninth highest provincial total behind Montreal (5,005,293), the Montérégie (3,320,028), the Capitale-Nationale (1,875,813), the Laurentides (1,451,197), the Mauricie and the Centre-du -Quebec (1,242,596), Lanaudière (1,205,675), the Estrie (1,185,205) and Chaudière-Appalaches (1,046,166).

The CISSS also specified that 79 employees of its network (increase of three) were absent from work due to the virus.

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L’article 354 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Laval est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.