Well, ‘tis the season of joyful traditions to be enjoyed by many. And yet there are those whose joy will be spoiled by some debilitating illnesses. Woefully, that scenario need not be so, or at least impact peoples’ health less severely, if they would only “follow the doctors’ orders’’.
Covid-19 is again rearing its ugly head and appearing to surpass previous levels. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Frankie Moore, is encouraging more people, especially older adults, to get vaccinated against Covid prior to the beginning of this traditionally busy season. This Covid season has only just begun and Dr. Moore reports there are already 1500 people across Ontario in hospital and testing positive for this dreadful virus. And the majority of these hospitalizations are older adults.
The risk of contracting these viruses remains high in older adults because the viral attack is much more severe in their instances. Also, Dr. Fahad Razak, of Toronto’s St. Michaels Hospital, advises that such an attack increases the probability of giving rise to other illnesses such as COPD, heart issues and other respiratory illnesses in older adults.
The Chief Medical Officer for Ontario reports that 42 percent of adults 65 and older have so far this season received a Covid shot. He further reports that this number of recipients is too low and unless increased, will cause an overwhelming impact on already overwhelmed hospitals and caregivers.
"Getting these vaccines is very important for one’s own health but also the considerate thing to do for others"
In addition to the pressures put on healthcare facilities by the increasing number of Covid patients, the onset of the influenza will overwhelm the healthcare system. And again incredibly, a low number of people are arranging for the flu shot that would, at the very least, lessen the disabilities and setbacks associated with having the flu.
Getting these vaccines is very important for one’s own health but also the considerate thing to do for others with whom one encounters. Additionally, these vaccines reduce the strain on hospitals that are at or near their capacity. Also, it allows these hospitals to focus on the health needs of other than those afflicted with the virus.
According to recently published data by Niagara Region Public Health, there are 481 active cases in the Region. 106 of these cases have been admitted to hospital and five of these were admitted to ICU. It is estimated that 40 percent of these patients treated by Niagara’s health facilities were over 80 years of age.
All those working in the health system are urging Niagara’s residents to arrange to be vaccinated by their family doctor, a medical clinic, or at one of the large number of drugstores offering this service. The vaccination doesn’t hurt, has very few side effects, and you will be doing yourself, your loved ones and all your associates a huge favor.
Meanwhile, Public Health recommends the following: get vaccinated with up-to-date serum, wear a mask when in public, stay home if you feel sick, spend time outdoors or only in well-ventilated facilities, and wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
It is my hope that you and your loved ones will avoid contracting Covid-19 and the current flu bug. Your part in this hope is to get vaccinated immediately if you have not yet done so.
May 2024 treat you well with good health, prosperity and may your best dreams come true.
