This year's flu season is proving to be particularly challenging, with hospitals across Canada bracing for a surge in cases. The situation is so dire that some hospitals are taking extra precautions to prevent the system from being overwhelmed and to curb the spread of the flu within their facilities. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has reported a significant week-over-week jump in hospitalizations, with individuals over 65 and children under four accounting for the most influenza-related admissions. The H3N2 subtype of influenza A is dominating this season, accounting for nearly all positive cases of influenza in Canada, according to PHAC. While it's not uncommon to see flu cases increase this time of year, an early start to the flu season and low vaccination rates in some provinces have contributed to a quicker uptick and greater pressure on hospitals. Doctors, epidemiologists, and other health officials have warned that the strain of flu hitting Canada is more severe. Emeline Edgett, a musical theatre student, described her experience with the flu as 'pretty awful', with symptoms starting with nausea and quickly escalating to fever, chills, and body aches. Hospitals are planning for surging cases by opening extra beds, extending doctors' hours, and treating patients in waiting rooms and hallways. However, the need goes beyond hospital space in some parts of Canada. Ottawa's Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario has had to call on family doctors and pediatricians to work longer days and respond to urgent calls. Public health officials in Quebec are also urging parents to avoid bringing children to emergency rooms unless necessary, as the flu is spreading particularly among children aged five to 17. While influenza is a concern, it's not the only illness people could be exposed to in overcrowded emergency rooms. Doctors across the country are also dealing with COVID-19 and RSV, although each is affecting different populations. However, there are also concerns about the spread of infections like measles. In Quebec, for example, there were eight reported cases as of Sunday. Health officials are urging people to do what Dr. Raghu Venugopal has done since he got the flu over a week ago: stay home and rest until they recover. He says people should only visit the ER if they truly need primary care, not just to confirm if they have the flu or not. The situation is serious enough that some hospitals are taking extra precautions to prevent strain on the system and to curb flu transmission within their facilities.
