Dec 2020 Lockdown.
It looks like the star of this years FLU SEASON goes to coronavirus. For the last 25 years, this is the time of year that our local hospitals would call a “code gridlock”. All beds would be occupied and hallways jammed with make shift stretchers to accomodate the annual influx of sick souls. According to last weeks update there were about 19 influenza cases of various types spotted across the nation with about 8000 patients tested. That compares to thousands of cases this time last year. FLU SEASON refers to a constellation of respiratory illness with similar symptoms, and predominately viruses on which antibiotics don’t make a difference. Most of our influenza viruses traditionally originate in the Asian sub continent and China. Probably because most of the planets human population is concentrated there, and statistically more mutations can occurr in larger populations. Predictions about Australia being the source have not materialized. Regular flushots are still available.
Please observe common sense rules of hygiene. We have been in this for almost a year, and the term pandemic will soon have to undergo refinement. It is safe to estimate that the number of Canadians that have had a successfull encounter with this virus numbers in the millions, similar to what a bad flu season has done numerous times in the past. There is no good means to identify this group, so the default is that we assume almost everyone is susceptible. Ideally, the symbiotic relationship between humans and respiratory viruses leaves a great deal to yet be learned. Most encounters are mild, and the viruses technically don’t invade the body, but travel down the airways to the lung surfaces. There is exchange of genetic material which is intriguing. Most symptoms that we feel are the result of our own immune system responding. We can spend an entire year discussing the minute and rare exceptions and have been doing just that, and have changed our lives permanently along the way. We will not eradicate this. It will most likely subside in the same manner that all respiratory viruses have in the past.
Our anxiety, depression and ongoing health conditions have taken a beating during this time. Please respect the lockdown. Our directives mandate that we provide urgent care using virtual and electronic means, and in person as a last resort. Living outside the lockdown areas does not make one immune to the directives. Last week in Peel alone, five large Shoppers Drug Marts were identified as hot spots of spread. The color coded scheme is confusing to everyone including us. It seems like every household has at least one essential worker, a situation that requires common sense to address. The lockdown efforts are simply aimed to try and not cause a grid lock in hospitals, and protect the frail elderly. If you are worried about getting infection, avoid places with sick people. The good solid data is difficult to find. But it seems that children and young people are much less affected and serious infections are rare. Influenza exerts a greater toll in this group.
During this time, try to enjoy the spirit of the season. We know that excercise is crucial to help our systems cope with illness, even a brisk walk helps. A healthy diet, avoiding sugar containing foods, Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements in recommended doses are helpful. Finally, if you go for a test and the result is positive, don’t panic. Leave us a message and we will get through it together. There exists a great deal of grief and suffering in our world that we now sadly ignore if we can’t link it to the latest virus. Ensure you have a Merry Christmas!