# 5223
Given the relatively low uptake of influenza vaccines this year, along with the recent arrival of a new strain of the H3N2 virus, and this morning’s report in the Toronto Sun - that some Emergency rooms have recently been flooded with `flu’ cases - comes as little surprise.
This report states that Toronto ERs are seeing all age groups and demographics with flu-like symptoms but that it is mostly elderly patients, many with pre-existing health problems, who are being admitted.
Unlike the UK, and parts of Europe, where the H1N1 virus has dominated, the flu strains being most reported on this side of the Atlantic have been primarily H3N2 and Influenza B (see North America: H3N2 Driving Our Flu Season), both of which tend to take their biggest toll among the elderly.
ER visits at some hospitals are reportedly running double what is normally expected this time of year.
This story also mentions that a number of staff nurses and physicians are calling out with the flu, as well.
Not all flu-like illnesses are due to influenza, of course, and flu shots won’t protect against non-flu viruses. But this time of year, influenza makes up a significant portion of the ILI (influenza-like-illness) burden.
So health chiefs are still encouraging Canadians to get the flu shot, as flu season traditionally runs through April or early May.
Flu had Toronto ERs beyond capacity
By ANTONELLA ARTUSO, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief
Last Updated: January 11, 2011 9:00pm
Toronto hospitals are struggling with an overwhelming surge of flu cases that stretched resources in some emergency rooms beyond capacity.
Dr. James Downey, infection control officer for Toronto East General Hospital, said the ER is seeing extraordinary numbers of people with respiratory illnesses.