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
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.