Flu and RSV numbers climbing in B.C., BCCDC data shows

Positive tests for respiratory illnesses have been steadily climbing for weeks in British Columbia, especially for flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

The data shows influenza A and RSV cases have been on the rise since November. Influenza A remains the most common strain this flu season with 11.7 per cent of recent tests coming back positive during the week of Dec 22-28 — an uptick of 2.5 per cent compared to the previous week. 

Positive tests for RSV, which usually cause a minor cold but can cause severe illness in vulnerable groups, have increased by 0.3 per cent from the week before, driven primarily by pediatric patients.

"We see a steady climb very similar to last year," said Jennifer Vines, interim medical director for public health response at the BCCDC. 

"It's not too late to be vaccinated for influenza and for COVID this winter," said Vines. 

But the rise in both flu and RSV cases is being felt in hospital emergency departments in recent weeks, the data suggests. 

BCCDC's data shows respiratory-related visits accounted for over 37 per cent of all pediatric emergency department cases during the week of Dec 22-28 — a more than five per cent increase from the week before. Adult respiratory-related visits also climbed, though at a slower pace.

Positive tests for COVID-19, however, declined the week of Dec. 22-28 by 0.3 per cent compared to the previous week, and have been showing a steady decline since the start of November. 

Vines says COVID-19 activity is low compared to other respiratory viruses circulating in the province currently, with some signs that it might be increasing. 

Health officials stress the importance, particularly for vulnerable groups, of taking precautions.

"If you're feeling poorly, please stay home, stay away from other people if you can," said Vines. "Make sure that you're washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes." 

The province reports that as of Jan. 5, more than 1.3 million flu vaccines had been administered this respiratory illness season.

Flu seasons typically last until the end of March.