We’re heading into what is typically the fall season for flu, and COVID, but both seem to be doing the rounds a little early.
Dr. Iram Ahmed, a member of the Niagara North Family Health Team, told The Local, a sister publication of ThoroldToday, that she is already seeing patients with influenza, respiratory cases and COVID, which weren’t expected quite so soon.
“I’m certainly starting to see unwell people in my office. It’s safe to say it’s started,” she says, including COVID. Watch for fatigue, muscle aches and pains, sore throat, coughs and fevers, “the typical symptoms we’ve seen in the past.”
Her message to prevent illness and stop its spread is one we’ve heard before, she says: “it’s a multi-layer approach,” which includes getting up-to-date on flu shots and the COVID vaccine as soon as they are available.
That should be soon — they are approved by Health Canada, and are expected to be distributed as previously, to pharmacies, possibly family doctors’ offices, and through public health clinics. “I don’t anticipate they’re going to re-invent the wheel — it will be the usual
distribution.”
“We’re all waiting for more information,” she added, but the expectation is they will be distributed in the first few weeks of October.
Also, she says, the usual precautions still apply: wash your hands often, don’t touch your face, “and stay home from work or school if you’re sick, to get rest and get better and so you don’t spread it to others.” The last layer, she adds: “if you have to go out to places that are crowded, wear a mask.”
And these are good reminders to pass on to children, she says. “These are all part of our arsenal of protecting ourselves.”
The new COVID vaccine, updated to cover new variants, is approved for children over six months old.
If the flu shot is available earlier, “get the flu shot when it’s available,” and it’s also safe to get both at the same time.
Ahmed encourages those over the age of 60, have cardiac disease or are immunocompromised, to see their doctors ahead of time to have a plan in place should they get sick.
There are two treatments for COVID, she explains, Paxlovid and Remdesivir, for high-risk patients, but they need to be taken soon after a patient becomes ill — Paxlovid within the first five days of symptoms, and Remdesivir within seven days.
“If you have an upcoming appointment with your doctor, this is something you might want to bring up, to ensure these treatments are given in a timely manner.”
Rapid tests should also be easily available at pharmacies and grocery stores, and it’s a good idea to pick some up and have them at home, she added.
Family doctor-approved tips and information to help prevent illness and stay healthy is available at stayhealthyontario.ca — it’s a good resource for us, says Amhed.
Also, with so many people in Ontario without doctors, there is information available online for caring for sick children at ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/actions-parents-can-take-caring-for-a-child-with-respiratory-illness.
For teens or adults, visit ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/respiratory-infections/tips-for-teens-adults-with-colds-flu-covid-19.pdf.
There are urgent care centres in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Alternately, call 811 to speak with a nurse, available 24 hours a day.
