Alberta Health Services adds RSV, influenza to symptom assessment tool

Alberta Health Services is hoping to ease the strain on emergency departments by helping provide Albertans with guidance to manage respiratory illnesses.

On Wednesday, the agency announced that an updated version of its assessment tool, which was previously used during the pandemic, now features questions that will help people determine whether their symptoms are signs of other respiratory illness, including influenza and RSV. 

The tool was also used to book COVID-19 PCR tests.

"This is another tool, in addition to other available resources such as the HEAL website, to help know your options and use appropriate care," said Dr. Kristin Klein, medical officer of health with AHS, in a statement.

"Above all, however, we strongly encourage all Albertans to get immunized against influenza and COVID-19 this season, stay home when sick and do everything we can to reduce the spread of illness in our communities."

The updated tool also gives guidance on managing symptoms at home, when to seek additional care and whether or not a hospital visit is necessary by prompting people through a number of questions.

"For a lot of people that are quite tech savvy, it's probably easier just to go on to your phone or computer and answer the questions and provide and receive that advice," Klein said.

"It's just giving Albertans some more options."

With an increase in cases of respiratory illness across the province, and with the influx of young patients at pediatric acute care facilities, AHS said the updated tool provides Albertans with another option to get advice for symptom management.

It will help guide people to the best care options for their symptoms, including self-care at home, or seeking care at a walk-in clinic, family physician, or pharmacy for mild to moderate symptoms, the agency said. 

The Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary told CBC News last week that it has been dealing with a surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV and some COVID-19 for several weeks and is continuing to see above average ER visits and admissions.

According to Dr. Eddy Lang, the clinical department head of emergency medicine in the Calgary zone, users will hear similar advice at the hospital to what they are seeing from the assessment tool.

"Helping provide parents with options and instructions rather than dealing with potential lengthy waits in ER departments is always a good thing," he said.