Flu Season Keeping Waterloo Region Hospitals Busy

Flu cases are still high in the Waterloo region, Guelph, and Wellington County, with local hospitals treating patients in emergency departments who have symptoms.

“This year has been exceptionally busy,” Stephanie Pearsall, vice president of clinical programs and chief nursing executive at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, told CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition.

“I will say the last two weeks over the holiday period, we were seeing increased numbers coming into our emergency department and we continue to see high volumes. The modeling and our data shows that this trend is going to continue over the next several weeks.”

New flu statistics were released by Public Health Ontario on Friday. In the Waterloo region, the numbers for the week of Dec. 28 to Jan. 3 were:

113 new cases of influenza.10 hospital admissions for the flu. Two outbreaks.

The figures for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health during the same time showed:

88 new cases of the flu.30 hospital admissions for the flu. There were no outbreaks reported.

A statement from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to mentioned that there has been a rise in flu cases recently.

“Generally, influenza testing is done in a hospital setting (emergency/inpatient) and not in a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic setting. So we can presume if we are seeing a rise in hospital-confirmed cases we are seeing a rise in cases in the general community,” the health unit said in an email.

It noted “washing hands frequently, staying home if sick, and wearing a mask in crowded spaces are key preventive measures” people can take.

If people haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, Pearsall says it’s worth getting vaccinated.

“It’s going to take a little while to take effect if you get it currently, but what it actually can do is maybe significantly reduce the symptoms that may make you feel very sick,” she said, adding now that the holidays are over, it’s a good time for people to relax at home.

“Avoid any large crowds, protect yourself, wash your hands all the time,” she said. “Just really think about: how do we keep people safe and especially if you have elderly parents, just really encourage them to stay at home for the next little bit.”

Delayed care leads to more serious illnesses for some

Tricia Brown, director of emergency services at Waterloo Regional Health Network in Kitchener, also mentioned they’re seeing more individuals at emergency departments with respiratory infections.

“This time of year, hospitals are busier as people have gathered for holidays close together with loved ones which can increase virus spread. Some folks also delay seeking care during holiday times leading to more serious illness and greater need for hospital care,” Brown said.

“We encourage everyone to stay up to date on vaccinations, stay home when sick, and explore healthcare options available in our community,” Brown added.

Pearsall stated on Thursday morning that Cambridge Memorial admitted 16 patients waiting for beds at their hospital.

“What we’re seeing currently is high volume and a high burden of influenza A which can have catastrophic effects on some of our older population as well as younger individuals too. So often they come into emergency quite ill,” Pearsall said.

She added they’re also noticing some COVID cases circulating along with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

Pack patience if visiting hospital

In addition to an uptick in patients some areas of hospitals may be short-staffed due to illness. Pearsall mentioned staff are facing a “relentless” cycle caring for sick patients.

She asked individuals needing care at hospitals be patient during their visit.

“We’re asking an incredible amount from every single staff member that works at Cambridge Memorial-from physicians to nurses respiratory therapists housekeeping-every single person is doing their best while understanding they may have sick children or parents,” Pearsall said.

“We always encourage people that if their symptoms are manageable it might be something their primary care provider could help or urgent care instead; but if you’re feeling extremely ill then definitely come right into emergency.” she said.

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