Are we heading towards a 'twindemic' with COVID-19 and the flu?
The term 'twindemic' became mainstream last year as Canada entered the flu season while it was still grappling with the spread of COVID-19. Health experts expressed concern at the time that the healthcare system would be flooded with patients suffering from both influenza and COVID-19, creating further strain on already-draining resources.
In 2020, Ontario was fortunate enough not to experience a 'twindemic.' In fact, there were very few serious cases of the flu. But will that be the case for 2021?
In this week's episode of Life Unmasked, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore talks about why the province saw so few severe cases of influenza last year, why that should not deter people from getting the flu shot and whether a 'twindemic' is a serious possibility for 2021-2022.
Dr. Susy Hota, medical director of infection prevention and control at the University Health Network, also joins the team to discuss how influenza is unpredictable, whether or not hospitals are prepared for a surge in patients and how the flu shot actually works.
Both guests also touch on why it's important to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot—and that one will not protect against the other.
Last year pharmacies throughout Ontario reported shortages of the flu shot, leading the province to order an additional 1.4 million doses for 2021.
While Ontario only saw 25-lab confirmed cases of influenza last season—a significant drop from the thousands typically seen each year—officials still urge residents to get the flu shot.
According to officials, influenza kills an estimated 3,500 Canadians and hospitalizes about 12,000 Canadians a year.
Life Unmasked airs first on the iHeart app every Tuesday morning before becoming available on other streaming platforms. If you have questions for the podcast team, or an idea for an episode, please email lifeunmasked@bellmedia.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Boeing's financial woes continue, while families of crash victims urge U.S. to prosecute the company
Boeing said Wednesday that it lost US$355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.