Respiratory virus remains high in BC, expected to continue till March

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VANCOUVER – Influenza continues to decline in British Columbia, following an earlier-than- usual peak in late November and early December 2022.
Meanwhile, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains high, while COVID-19 has remained relatively stable.
On Jan. 13, 2023, there were 10,106 people hospitalized for all causes throughout the province. On Jan. 6, 10,226 people were hospitalized.
British Columbia traditionally experiences an increase in hospitalizations in January as people access care after the holiday period. This coincides with increases in respiratory illnesses and surgeries ramping back up after the holiday slowdown.
Public-health officials look at various data sources daily and weekly to understand how the province is doing. These include wastewater surveillance; COVID-19, RSV and influenza testing; hospitalizations; respiratory outbreaks in health-care facilities (including acute and long-term care); and visits to providers in the community. Whole genome sequencing is also done to determine the variants of virus circulating.
To date, data indicates that influenza cases in all age groups have declined from a peak test positivity rate of 27% in late November 2022 to 5% in the week of Jan. 1-7, 2023. However, while influenza A cases are decreasing, historically there has been an increase in influenza B later in the season, and public-health officials continue to closely monitor the situation.
RSV activity remains high, although it has also levelled off in recent weeks. The RSV test positivity rate continues to exceed that of influenza (14% compared with 5%). COVID-19 cases have remained relatively stable since October 2022, with hospitalization levels decreasing.
From Jan. 1-7, 2023, there were 661 new cases of COVID-19 reported. To date, there have been 24 confirmed cases of the XBB 1.5 variant detected.
The respiratory illness season is expected to continue until March 2023. In addition to following the public health guidance below, people are urged to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19:
Stay home when sick.
Wear masks when experiencing mild symptoms or for additional personal protection.
Frequently wash hands.
Follow proper respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs.
Properly dispose of tissues.