'Fingers crossed' this cold and flu season remains typical, says N.L.'s top doctor
If symptoms linger, Dr. Fitgerald says to reach out for medical assistance
Newfoundland and Labrador's top doctor says the ongoing cold and flu season is shaping up to resemble past years, but public health will continue to monitor illness rates and culprits.
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the province's chief medical officer of health, said the hike in respiratory illnesses like enterovirus, parainfluenza virus and influenza is typical for this time of year and comparable to previous years.
"There's always something to be watching this time of year where we're keeping our eye on everything. And thankfully it seems to be a fairly average year," Fitzgerald told CBC News.
"Our fingers are crossed that that's going to continue, but we're ready for anything."
Fitzgerald said she is seeing more cases of walking pneumonia, a mild lung infection caused by bacteria. It's a trend she said is happening across Canada and the world.
"It may be an effect of the pandemic and just not having any exposure over a couple of years," she said.
She added her office will be watching cases in the coming years, adding that walking pneumonia hits children harder than adults because they haven't had years to build up an immunity.
"The majority of cases are in that five- to 12-year age range," she said.
The bacteria responds well to antibiotics and people can still be up and walking about with it, she added.
"If you have any concerns about that — if you have a cough that's not getting better, if you have a cough with fever — certainly check in with your primary care practitioner and see if you need any kind of treatment."
Look out for norovirus
In the majority of respiratory virus cases, Fitzgerald said children will get better with time. However a child may need further medical care if they have a persistent fever or are lethargic.
"If there's anything that's really persistent, doesn't seem to be settling with your usual treatments, then you certainly should seek medical attention," she said.
Other provinces are experiencing high cases of norovirus, a gastrointestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, which Fitzgerald said is "exceptionally common" this time of year.
"We used to joke you'd never see a Christmas without noro or some kind of a gastro," she said.
Fitzgerald said while there are cases in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is nothing out of the ordinary.
Protect yourself
Fitzgerald advised people to wash their hands, especially before and after touching their faces.
"If you're sick, especially if you have a fever, usually that means you're contagious, so stay home if you can. If that's not possible, consider wearing a mask to reduce your risk to other people," she said.
For people who are considered higher risk for respiratory viruses, she also suggested they wear a mask. She also encouraged people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu, which can be booked through public health or a pharmacist.
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With files from Carolyn Stokes
