Flu season hits as Hamilton hospitals operating over capacity

Officials with Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) are urging the public to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations as seasonal illnesses spike.

Over the past two weeks the number of positive flu cases at HHS has more than doubled, and numbers are expected to continue to rise. COVID positive cases have increased slightly, and RSV remains steady – at least for now.

“We are seeing lots and lots of Flu A in kids with prolonged fevers and adults with respiratory distress,” Dr. Alim Pardhan, HHS chief of emergency medicine says.

“These viral cases add to already busy emergency departments. While our teams are working tirelessly to meet the needs of all patients, families may notice longer wait times.”

The spike in viral illnesses come as hospitals in the city are operating well above full capacity.

As of Dec. 10, Juravinski Hospital was operating at 111 per cent capacity, McMaster Children’s Hospital at 103 per cent, Hamilton General Hospital at 106 per cent, and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital at 100 per cent.

McMaster’s pediatric emergency department is also under strain.

“The winter viral season makes the pediatric emergency department busier because more patients are sick and space is limited,” Dr. Nathalie Schindler, medical director of pediatric emergency at McMaster Children’s Hospital says.

“When beds in the hospital are full, admitted patients stay in the emergency department giving us less space to see patients that come through our doors. Patients may notice an increase in wait times as we enter our busiest season.”

While cases haven’t skyrocketed just yet, officials say another concern for infants and toddlers is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

“It’s important to stay ahead of the virus to protect infants and toddlers,” Dr. Jeffrey Pernica, an infectious disease specialist with McMaster says.

“Last year, our clinics helped immunize more than 2,000 babies, which likely contributed to fewer hospitalizations for RSV. We hope to keep that momentum going.”

HHS officials are reminding the public to get their flu and COVID vaccines as soon as possible, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick.

READ MORE: Tiki boat tours at Bayfront? Hamilton considering new waterfront tourism attractions