Respiratory Illness Reminders

Last week, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, gave an update on the respiratory illness season in BC.  The message focused on how to stay safe during respiratory illness season including strongly encouraging vaccinations for both Covid-19 and Influenzas.  “While Covid-19 continues to circulate in communities, situation has changed. In B.C, more than 90% of the population has built some immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) virus through vaccination, infection or both, and the number of people at risk of serious outcomes from Covid-19 has dropped significantly.”  BC Gov News: Health Province urges people to get vaccinated, stay safe during respiratory illness season  

She talked about being aware of your personal risk and recommending in public settings to wear a mask.  This is not a mandate or a restriction.  This is an encouragement to determine your own risk and make the decision that is best for you and your family’s health.  Dr. Henry encouraged wearing mask when in crowds, when sick and possibly if you have a sick child at home and you go to your workplace.  Mask wearing is s personal choice for the students and staff and is one of the important tools in reducing the risk of transmitting for all respiratory viruses.  Vaccinations, washing hands and staying home when you are unwell and are not able to full participate in normal activities is also very important.  B.C residents have stepped-up and worked very hard during the height of the pandemic and through this respiratory season to protect themselves and others around them. Ministry of Health, Adrian Dix,  said “ 1.2 million B.C. residents have already received flu shot this year, twice as many as last year.”   CBC: BC health officials say mask mandate not needed amid surge of respiratory illness  

We can expect some years will be mild and other years will be difficult for respiratory illness and creating healthy practices are important in overall health.  Good sleep, reduce stress, nutrition, vaccination, mask wearing, hand washing and being aware of your personal risk for illness is key.