The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) continues to watch winter illnesses even as March Break is almost upon us.
Windsor-Essex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mehdi Aloosh provided an update on respiratory illnesses during the health unit's monthly meeting on Thursday afternoon at the Caboto Club.
Aloosh told reporters that one form of influenza is down, while cases from another form are trending up.
"Flu A, we don't see any activity of that," said Aloosh. "But we see increased activity of Flu B. But usually, Flu B is not as severe as Flu A."
Influenza-A has a higher potential for mutation, added Aloosh, meaning that anyone who was exposed to the new mutation is more likely to become ill. However, with Flu A trending downward, the health unit has seen few hospitalizations for it.
For Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Aloosh said local cases are relatively level but not fading just yet.
"We see a little rise in the wastewater surveillance again," said Aloosh. "Our cases are at the same rate, so I can say that we are not sure at the end of the season."
Aloosh also reiterated the importance of vaccination as March Break approaches, especially among people planning to leave the area next week.
"March Break is always a time when people travel," said Aloosh. "They might go outside the country, and we know there are lots of diseases going around outside the country, exotic diseases that we don't have."
The health unit continued to stress getting vaccines or boosters for winter illnesses, and people should check in with their primary healthcare provider for guidance on protecting themselves when travelling.
Complete information on immunization can be found on the health unit's official website.
-with files from Maureen Revait
