The 2023 fall season will bring influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid infections. It’s time to bring out those face masks again, as well as consider the options for vaccination. With more of us on the move, viruses are circulating.
Let’s look at our neighbours in the southern hemisphere to see what to expect. In Australia, the flu season this year (2023) looked much like last year, with relatively low severity. In New Zealand, the flu season peaked early and has remained high from April to now.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccination ahead of each flu season for certain groups, including older adults, children and healthcare workers. The vaccine is safe and effective in preventing the flu and reducing hospitalization or life-threatening complications like pneumonia.
While the flu is an annual winter problem to be confronted, many in the medical community are preparing for a “tri-demic” – an increase in cases of flu, RSV and Covid. We should all be aware and prepare for this possibility.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is actually very common. According to Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health and the University Health Network in Toronto: “Whenever we have cold and flu season, it’s one of the main reasons why people end up in hospital and it causes a significant number of deaths every year.
“While RSV certainly can cause hospitalizations in younger people, it really is older Canadians that actually bear the real brunt of this and represent over 80 percent of the deaths that happen from this virus,” he added. An issue with RSV, unlike other respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, is the absence of a dedicated treatment for the infection. “What we do have is a vaccine that can prevent it in the first place.”
The RSV vaccine now available in Canada can lower the risk of severe outcomes, particularly for older adults. In British Columbia, the RSV vaccine is available by prescription for private purchase at select pharmacies. It costs around $250 per dose and some private plans cover it.
Finally, Covid is still here and we will see new variants. As we go indoors and as the virus has a really good chance to spread, we’ll need that added protection. With each new variant, there could also be differences in its impact on different ages, and how serious it is.
People aged six months and older can now get both an influenza and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. If you have previously had a COVID-19 vaccine in B.C., you will be sent an email and text with a link to book an appointment. Invitations to book an appointment will be rolled out starting with people at high risk for infection or severe disease.
If you are one of those people who is at increased risk for any of these viruses, please get vaccinated.
