As 2024 drew to a close, the number of outbreaks and emergency room visits due to COVID, influenza and other respiratory visits were climbing.
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According to data posted by the Brant County Health Unit, there were 263 ER visits for respiratory symptoms in the week of Dec. 8-14, the last week posted by the health unit before breaking for Christmas.
That was the highest number since the agency began posting data again at the end of August when, for about four weeks, emergency room visits averaged 120 a week.
The numbers reflect a variety of respiratory complaints for those visiting either the Brantford General Hospital or the Willett in Paris – congestion, cough, sore throat, asthma, pneumonia, and ear infections.
Meanwhile, the health unit has posted information about 36 outbreaks in the two hospitals, area long-term care homes and retirement communities since Aug. 26.
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Of those, 24 were determined to be COVID outbreaks while others were flu or enterovirus outbreaks.
In December, five outbreaks, mainly COVID, were declared at the BGH and Willett hospitals, Brierwood Gardens Long-Term Care, Riverview Terrace and Sensity in Paris, affecting 33 people.
As of Dec. 18, the health unit posted there were 22 hospital beds occupied by respiratory patients, with 21 of them COVID patients.
According to the agency’s annual report on infectious diseases, as of spring 2023, COVID is the top reported respiratory infection in the area, affecting women and seniors more than any other group.
According to data posted by the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, respiratory problems – especially COVID – are at a high risk and increasing, with new hospital admissions listed as “very high” and increasing.
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An Outbreak Status Report posted by Health and Social Services of Haldimand and Norfolk shows two area outbreaks declared on Dec. 26 and three on Dec. 30.
An influenza outbreak and a COVID outbreak from just before Christmas are still active.
The report says the outbreak at Delhi Long-Term Care is a facility-wide enteric one while others are still waiting for test confirmations.
Reminders for all during respiratory season, which runs November to April, including keeping updated on COVID and flu vaccines, staying home from work, school, LTC facilities or hospitals when you’re feeling unwell, wearing a mask around others, washing hands and high -touch surfaces often, and coughing into your elbow.
@EXPSGamble
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