Cold & Flu Season
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Relieving a Persistent Cough
A sore throat and cough are usually the first sign of a common cold. While a sore throat will usually taper off after a few days (it usually precedes other symptoms, such as a runny nose or nasal congestion, headache, fever and/or chills, and fatigue), the cough itself can persist. There are two types of coughs that are most common when you have a cold: A wet cough or a dry cough. When you have a wet cough, you often produce mucus. When the mucus is clear in colour, it’s not normally something to be alarmed about. However, if the mucus you’re bringing up as a result of coughing is…
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Preparing for Cold & Flu Season
Flu season typically runs from November through April; however, outbreaks can happen as early as October and last as late as May, and results in the hospitalization of as many as 12,000 Canadians every year. While most individuals will recover from the flu without needing to seek any kind of urgent medical attention, there are certain individuals who are at increased risk of developing serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even sinus and ear infections. High-risk individuals include seniors over the age of 65, those under the age of 65 with a previously diagnosed chronic condition, those with weakened immune systems, children under the age of 5, pregnant…
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Staying Healthy This Fall
As summer fades and autumn approaches, the changing seasons bring new health challenges. With shorter days, shifting weather patterns, and the looming cold and flu season, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being. Below are some valuable tips to help you maintain good health throughout the fall months. Warding Off Seasonal Illnesses While the official cold and flu season in Canada typically begins in November, there’s often a noticeable uptick in viral and bacterial infections from September to October, coinciding with the back-to-school period. To minimize your risk of falling ill: Practice rigorous hygiene: Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap, and keep hand sanitizer readily available when soap and…
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Vitamin C: A Key Player in Immunity and Beyond
Vitamin C is often the go-to vitamin for people suffering from a common cold or flu. But does it actually stop illness all together? The short answer is no. While Vitamin C can’t stop a cold in its tracks, it can shorten the symptoms of a common cold, the duration, as well as decrease the frequency in which you get colds – but only if you consume Vitamin C on a regular basis. Think of it as an immune booster rather than a cure. Common colds aren’t all Vitamin C is good for, however. It’s also beneficial for the growth and repair of skin, bones, teeth and other tissue, can…
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Vitamin C’s Role in Supporting Immune Health
In the domain of nutritional science, particularly concerning the immune system’s fortification, Vitamin C emerges as an indispensable nutrient. Its significance is notably accentuated in Canada’s winter months, a period rife with health challenges such as increased incidences of colds and flu. Among the plethora of natural sources, citrus fruits – including oranges and grapefruits – stand out as formidable allies in immune health enhancement. This article delves into the pivotal role of Vitamin C, with an emphasis on its immune-boosting properties, underscoring the strategic incorporation of citrus fruits in dietary regimes to maintain health during the colder seasons. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is pivotal for its antioxidant capabilities…
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Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of profound transformation and anticipation. However, it also brings a heightened sense of vulnerability to infections, particularly during the respiratory illness season. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the significance of flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant individuals, addressing safety, efficacy, and the role these vaccines play in preventing serious complications. Understanding the Risks During Pregnancy Pregnancy naturally alters a woman’s immune system, heart, and lungs. These changes, while crucial for the development of the fetus, can make expectant mothers more susceptible to severe illnesses from respiratory viruses. Notably, illnesses like influenza (flu) and COVID-19 pose a substantial risk during pregnancy. The Flu and Pregnancy…
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Preparing for the Fall Respiratory Season
As the leaves change and the temperatures drop, British Columbia is bracing for the annual respiratory season. But unlike the typical cold and flu seasons of the past, the ongoing threat of COVID-19 adds a layer of complexity to our preparation and response. It’s essential to be informed and proactive to ensure a safer and healthier autumn. Why Fall is Different With the onset of the colder months, respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and now COVID-19, tend to become more prevalent. As people retreat indoors to stay warm, the likelihood of transmission increases due to close proximity and reduced ventilation. The convergence of these illnesses can strain our…
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Human Metapneumovirus
According to the US CDC, cases of human metapneumovirus – also known as hMPV – spiked this spring. In comparison to pre-pandemic figures, nearly 11% of tested specimens were positive for hMPV at its peak in mid-March – a number that is about 36% higher than the average pre-pandemic seasonal peak of 7% test positivity. This surge in cases has health professionals and researchers on keeping a close eye on the virus through continued surveillance and concerted research into this widespread respiratory pathogen. What is hMPV? First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, hMPV has since been recognized as a common and significant cause of respiratory illness. Belonging to the…
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Norovirus on the Rise in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a wave of restrictions and guidelines, including physical distancing, wearing masks, and limiting social gatherings. As a result, many infectious diseases that typically spread through close contact or public gatherings declined in frequency in 2020, 2021, and 2022. For example, cases of the flu decreased dramatically due to increased awareness of hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing. However, now that many of these measures have been lifted, these infections are beginning to re-emerge – including something known as Norovirus. Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus, is a virus that causes gastroenteritis or stomach flu, and is currently on the rise in North America. Norovirus…
