Toronto's top doc shares holiday advice amid a 'steep rise' in influenza activity
As flu cases continue to climb in Toronto and are expected to peak over the holidays, the city's top public health official reminded residents to take protective measures when they gather in the coming days, including wearing a mask and getting vaccinated.
Speaking at a vaccination clinic at Cloverdale Mall, Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city's medical officer of health, said Toronto continues to see a "steep rise" of influenza activity.
"We're seeing this activity at increased levels compared to what we would normally expect at this time of year. Further, we're seeing influenza activity affects all age groups, and we project that it will peak over the holiday period," De Villa said.
"This puts extraordinary pressure on an already stretched health care system."
There have been 2,369 influenza cases in the city since Sept. 4. For the week of Nov. 20 to Nov. 26 alone, Toronto reported 637 cases – a significant surge from the five-year, pre-COVID average of 15 flu cases.
De Villa said there are already tools available for residents so that they could celebrate the holidays safely.
"So whether you're gathering with family, or having dinner with colleagues are entering a large crowd of Merrymakers or holiday goers, remember that the layers of protection help reduce your risk of infection: vaccination, hand washing, wearing a well fitted high-quality mask," she said.
"So as we interact with others in our community over the holiday season, and especially when we're indoors with people who we don't live with -- people outside of our household -- our risk of encountering respiratory viruses increase. So I ask all residents to do their part to contribute to a healthier holiday season."
Last month, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, stopped short of reinstating a mask mandate and instead 'strongly' recommended mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as cases of respiratory viruses rose.
Meanwhile, de Villa noted that half of the influenza cases this year are among those below 19 years old, which is why she reiterated the importance of getting their flu shots.
De Villa is encouraged that there is a slight increase in people getting their flu shots this year and urged those who have not gotten their vaccine to do so.
"Now is a good time to get it so that you're getting good protection. It takes about 10 to 14 days before you get full protection after you receive a flu vaccine, and anticipating that the peak will come towards the end of this month, now's a good time to get that vaccine," De Villa said.
"This is the best thing I think we can all do, young and old."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
Ontario urges mpox testing amid spike in cases
Ontario health officials are urging public health units to test for mpox, the viral disease formerly known as monkeypox, amid a spike of confirmed cases in the province.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Do these exercises for core strength if you can't stomach doing planks
Planks are one of the most effective exercises for strengthening your midsection, as they target all of your major core muscles: the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Yet despite the popularity of various 10-minute plank challenges, planking is actually one of the most dreaded core exercises, according to many fitness experts.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
'Don't expect any deals:' Expert says stores may not offer steep discounts on post-Easter chocolate
Those looking to snap up cheap treats at their local grocery store next week following the Easter long weekend could be in for a bit of a surprise as the rising cost of cocoa continues to drive up the price of chocolate, one expert says.