The B.C. government says COVID-19 test positivity, cases, hospitalizations and deaths have decreased since early Oct., with cases of influenza starting to look similar to flu seasons pre-pandemic. (The Canadian Press)

By Jordan Davidson

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Cases of COVID-19 down, flu numbers increasing into holiday season

Dec 11, 2023 | 1:51 PM

NANAIMO — While cases of COVID-19 have decreased this fall in B.C., cases of influenza continue to grow, with children high on the list of those who are testing positive.

During a Monday, Dec. 11 update on the respiratory illness season and immunization campaign, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said COVID-19 activity remains relatively low following a peak in mid-October, while cases of influenza continue to rise.

“This is why we need to pay attention to what’s going on right now. We’re also seeing more people are seeking healthcare providers for respiratory symptoms, so that’s going up both in adults and in children.”

As of Thursday, Dec. 7, there were 182 patients in hospital with COVID-19, including 17 in critical care, while roughly 79 per cent of positive influenza tests were the H1N1 strain.

The numbers are based on the most recent epidemiological data sent out weekly by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

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Dr. Henry said the influenza numbers are starting to look similar to pre-pandemic times, where influenza cases normally reach their peak post-holiday season, which adds to the importance of getting immunized now.

While influenza numbers can be easier to predict based on past data, she said we are still in a “transition year” as they work to determine any patterns in COVID-19 cases season-to-season.

“It’s not clear yet what pattern [COVID-19] is going to take. We’re still trying to understand the seasonality of it, or if there is going to be a pattern, and what pattern that will be in the long term.”

Minister of Health Adrian Dix said even if you had the flu or COVID-19 in recent months, getting an up-to-date vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from respiratory illness.

“Since the launch of the immunization campaign in October, almost half (46 per cent) of the provincial population of people aged 80 and older have their updated COVID-19 vaccination. We encourage those who have not received it yet to book their immunization appointment now.”

The province launched this year’s immunization campaign on Oct. 10, and as of Sunday, Dec. 10, over 1.4 million doses of influenza vaccine have been administered, as well as over 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Over 300,000 of those influenza vaccines were administered in Island Health, about 8,000 less than this time last year. Just over 297,000 COVID-19 vaccines were also administered, about 50,000 more than during the same time period last year.

B.C. has the highest vaccination rate in Canada.

To register or book an appointment for a vaccine, click here to go to the B.C. government’s website.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow