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Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health is strongly urging residents to don masks and practice public health precautions as the region sees a rise in hospitalizations of children due to respiratory viruses.
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According to a media release issued on Tuesday on behalf of HPEPH medical officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey, emergency department visits for respiratory complaints among children under the age of 17 are 194% higher than this time last year.
Between November 6 and 12, almost five percent of visits to the emergency department were for influenza-like illness, which is double the average of this time last year.
In response to this rise, Toumishey is strongly urging residents to revisit the basic public health protocols that have been staples throughout the pandemic. This includes screening daily for symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, or RSV; staying home if sick even if symptoms are minor, wearing a mask in public indoor settings including schools and childcare centres, and staying up to date on vaccines.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be booked online through HPEH, through local participating pharmacies, and through your healthcare provider.
