Flu cases have more than doubled from last year in Windsor-Essex
Health unit says local hospitals are seeing a rise in people with respiratory symptoms
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) says reported cases of influenza in Windsor-Essex have more than doubled this year, compared to the previous one.
Calling it a "significant increase" across the region, officials are reminding the public that respiratory illness season is ongoing and asking people to protect themselves.
In a statement, WECHU said local hospitals are seeing a rise in people with the same respiratory symptoms — but that non-emergency concerns shouldn't be directed to emergency departments.
According to the health unit, getting vaccinated for the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the "best ways to prevent serious illness and avoid hospital visits."
"At Erie Shores HealthCare, we have taken proactive steps to manage the increased demand for care, including expanding our capacity by utilizing unconventional treatment spaces, utilizing the Mobile Medical Clinic on-site, and ensuring our health-care teams are equipped to respond efficiently," said CEO Kristin Kennedy.
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor says it's opened an additional 25 beds since last fall to help deal with the influx of people coming into their care with flu-like symptoms.
"I encourage everyone to practise good hygiene, consider wearing a mask while at the hospital, stay home if you are sick and try to limit the number of visitors if you or a family member is hospitalized," said HDGH president Bill Marra.