The Unyielding Virus Season: Albertans Share Their Stories of a Winter of Illness

As Alberta faces an unusually challenging virus season, residents share their experiences of continuous sickness spreading through families. “All my grandbabies and daughters, along with their families, have been passing it back and forth like a game of tag,” lamented Ross Gilker from Calgary. “It’s like the gift that keeps on giving.”

Many Albertans are suffering from an array of symptoms that seem to linger far longer than expected, including persistent coughs and chronic congestion. “Several of my friends caught something over the holidays, which led to a quieter and more subdued Christmas for them,” noted resident Rob MacDonald, highlighting how this virus wave has disrupted holiday gatherings.

According to the Alberta government’s respiratory virus dashboard, there has been a significant uptick in cases of influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) statewide. The week of December 22 to 28 alone recorded 701 influenza cases, 574 cases of RSV, and 376 COVID-19 cases.

The spike in illnesses has been particularly pronounced in the last few weeks, as noted by pharmacist Mathieu Giroux from Cambrian Pharmacy in Calgary. “The holiday season has really accelerated the spread. Many people went into it with some viral infection already, which often escalated into sinus or ear infections, leading to more antibiotic prescriptions for post-viral ailments,” Giroux explained.

The expert echoed the sentiments of many healthcare professionals, stressing that coughs could last from two to four weeks. “People end up needing to visit a doctor for medications, such as asthma puffers, to manage their short-term coughing,” Giroux added.

Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Daniel Gregson, affiliated with the University of Calgary, outlined typical respiratory illness patterns, revealing that the average adult experiences around two respiratory virus cases a year, while children face an average of 3 to 5. “This season is unique due to the coinciding RSV and influenza spikes, creating a cluster of illnesses that compound the situation,” stated Dr. Gregson.

The lessons learned from the pandemic still resonate, according to HR Consultant Wendy Giuffre. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing health and the legitimacy of taking sick days. “Throughout the pandemic, many roles adapted to allow remote work. There should be no reason for anyone to feel compelled to work while they're sick now,” she said. Giuffre noted that the stigma associated with calling in sick has diminished significantly, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards health consciousness.

With rising case numbers amid concerns about the impact on the healthcare system, residents are urged to take precautions. As the fight against these prevalent viruses continues, Alberta faces a pressing need for both community awareness and individual responsibility. The ongoing battle against illness serves as a reminder that health comes first, especially during these trying times.

Stay Healthy, Alberta! Your wellbeing matters!