The region’s health care leaders are urging residents to use caution and take steps to reduce the spread of illness this holiday season, especially amongst our youngest residents.
The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Quinte Health Care and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health have issued a joint statement saying local rates of respiratory infection continue to be higher than normal, particularly among children and youth and ask everyone to take action now to #SpreadJoyNotGerms to stay #HealthyForTheHolidays.
“It’s important for our communities to band together to help protect the most vulnerable people in our communities. We’ve heard that this cold and flu season is a challenging one and each of us has a part to play to make sure that we remain as healthy as can be for the holidays,” says Odila Hoye, patient, client, and partner representative with the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team.
“We are continuing to see unusually high levels of respiratory infection among young children in our region,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. “While many of us want to enjoy a traditional holiday season, please remember that key public health precautions are the best way to reduce the spread of illness among family and friends. As a parent myself, I urge everyone to do what they can to help our youngest residents stay healthy and well for the holiday season.”
Those precautions include getting a flu shot, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and skipping holiday parties and events if you or your children aren’t feeling well.
Officials also suggest wearing a mask, washing hands often and frequently cleaning high touch surfaces.
“No one wants to spend the holidays in the hospital,” says Stacey Daub, President & CEO, Quinte Health. “We encourage you to follow public health precautions and get vaccinated to stay healthy. If you do become ill and cannot manage your symptoms at home, contact your primary care provider, use a walk-in clinic, a virtual clinic, or one of the COVID, Cold and Flu Clinics. Please save local emergency departments for emergencies.”
