Local health care leaders are urging residents to take key actions as we approach what they believe could be a difficult cold, flu and COVID-19 season.
They say COVID continues to circulate, community immunity to cold and flu has lessened due to lack of exposure over the last two seasons and that the healthcare system remains under incredible strain.Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey says they encourage residents to get the flu shot when it becomes available and to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines to reduce their risk of severe illness and spreading illness to others.
Quinte Health Care CEO Stacey Daub also asks people to keep emergency rooms for emergencies and consider accessing other care options like walk-in clinics, family doctor visits or virtual care for mild or moderate cold and flu symptoms.A joint statement from the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Quinte Health and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
“As we begin to move on from the pandemic, it continues to be important to follow public health precautions because they work to limit the spread of all respiratory illness, including colds, influenza, and COVID-19,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH.