A triple epidemic is likely to increase the number of hospitalizations as of winter in Quebec. COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all coming together.
Posted at 5:00 a.m.
Influenza and syncytial virus arrived earlier than normal this year. Between October 23 and 29, 57 Quebecers tested positive for influenza (the flu) and 477 for the syncytial virus. These cases come as subvariants of Omicron are under high surveillance in the United States and Europe.
Between October 16 and 22, more than 1 in 10 cases in Quebec were linked to these subvariants — BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 — which is almost twice as many as the previous week.
Virologist Alain Lamarre explains that conditions are conducive to the spread of respiratory viruses this year. School and business closures are a thing of the past, masks are falling off and social distancing is no longer enforced in all circumstances.
“What we used as preventive measures for COVID, it worked for other viruses. With the abolition of these measures, it could be a normal year for the flu and for RSV, which will be added to the cases of COVID, ”says the expert in immunology and virology at the National Institute of Research. scientist (INRS).
Increased pressure on a fragile system
However, there is no indication that the influenza virus will be stronger than normal even if it arrives earlier. The number of patients infected with RSV is not alarming, either. COVID-19 cases are expected to pick up as colder temperatures arrive, when people stay indoors more, Dr.r Lamarre.
I don’t think the number of infections will get out of control, but it’s still worrying because the health system, as we know, is fragile.
Alain Lamarre, expert in immunology and virology at the National Institute for Scientific Research
“It’s not due to particularly high traffic. This is because the hospital capacity has decreased a lot. It is understaffed, which means that the health system is less able to take what it used to control in previous years,” he adds.
Nathalie Grandvaux, professor of biochemistry at the University of Montreal, also says that the triple epidemic, an expression born in the United States, could have a “major impact” on our health system. “Our health system is collapsing. If we add pressure, we will have to eliminate care for other patients. Everyone should be concerned because everyone knows someone who needs care for something other than a respiratory virus,” she says.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Vaccination against influenza remains an important tool to limit the pressure on hospitals.
However, the researcher wants to be reassuring. The COVID-19 vaccine has reduced the number of hospitalizations. The flu vaccine, although we do not yet know its effectiveness for the coming season, will also limit the symptoms.
We have the means, we have learned how to limit transmission and how to prevent hospitalizations in recent years […]. To get out of it, you have to use the vaccination tools that are available.
Nathalie Grandvaux, professor of biochemistry at the University of Montreal
She also repeats that ventilation, hand washing and wearing a mask in crowds or when showing flu-like symptoms are proven measures.
A flu outbreak in the United States
In the United States, the tripledemic or the tridemic raises even more concern. The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Infections also held a press conference on Friday to take stock of the three epidemics that are raging simultaneously.
“We are seeing the highest hospitalization rates for influenza in a decade,” said center director Dr.r Jose Romero. Conversely, the rate of vaccination against influenza is lower than last year.
The Dr Romero also outlined the contingency plan that will be put in place if hospitals begin to overflow. For example, personnel and equipment could be sent to them.
“With the holidays approaching, vaccination remains the best protection against infections,” he said.
At the moment, vaccines are offered against the flu and COVID-19. Clinical trials are underway for two RSV vaccines.