Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said rates of influenza are climbing in B.C., however a mask mandate province-wide is not in their immediate plans. (BC Government)

By Ian Holmes

flu season

Respiratory illnesses rising in the province, particularly among youth

Nov 16, 2022 | 1:25 PM

NANAIMO — Following two years of little seasonal respiratory illnesses, case counts are predicatively starting to mount with the majority of those falling ill being young people.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided an update on various respiratory illnesses on Wednesday, Nov. 16, detailing who’s getting sick and impacts to the healthcare system.

Dr. Henry said youth in particular are falling ill to acute respiratory infections, with the influenza A strain in particular impacting people 19-years-old and younger the hardest.

“And that should be no surprise, we’ve been seeing that in younger people needing ICU care and younger people going to emergency departments and seeking treatment across the province.”

She added in the past couple of weeks, a dramatic increase of flu cases were reported, while cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are also increasing, but not at a substantial rate.

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A theme throughout the briefing was how mask-wearing plays into the equation of suppressing seasonal illnesses.

Dr. Henry said while mask-wearing is encouraged, she said a mandate is not required at this time, referencing a time when the measure was required when COVID vaccination rates were low.

“Right now I don’t see the need for a mask mandate by itself because we have many other tools and a high level of protection from a variety of these respiratory illnesses that are circulating right now.”

Dr. Henry recommended people wear masks based on their personal circumstances, including crowded indoor spaces or if people have been in the presence of a sick family member.

She rejected the idea of a mask mandate in schools.

“We’re not in a situation right now where I think every single child and adult in a school setting needs to where a mask all the time, that’s what a mask mandate is, we’re not in that situation.”

According to provincial health minister Adrian Dix, 1.2 million British Columbians have received the influenza vaccine so far this year, double last years pace.

The flu vaccine is available to British Columbians free of charge for anybody over the age and can be received at the same time as a COVID fall booster shot.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes