Health authorities advise caution as flu season intensifies

Quebec's Health and Social Service Ministry reports that influenza cases are rising, while common cold infections appear to be stabilizing. However, health officials warn that the situation could change quickly as students return to school this week.

Symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, and a sore throat are clear indicators of the flu. Michael Robert, who is currently battling the flu, described his experience: “A wicked, horrible cough. I am really congested. I don’t have a fever, but I have a sinus headache that really won’t go away. And there’s only so much Advil a person can take during the day. So pretty much I’ve spent most of the last 24 hours in bed.”

Doctors say that if symptoms are uncomfortable but manageable, it is likely a severe cold rather than the flu. “You may have a fever, but it’s not as high. You’ll be congested. You may be sneezing and coughing, but you don’t have chest pain, you’re not short of breath, and you have mild aches and pains in your muscles,” explained Dr. Mitch Shulman.

Health authorities recommend avoiding unnecessary visits to clinics or hospitals. Unless the patient has pre-existing health conditions, they are likely to be sent home with basic advice and medication like Tylenol.

Dr. Shulman added that certain groups need more immediate medical attention, including young children under the age of two, the elderly, and individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or lung disease. He emphasized, “These are the people that probably need to be seen sooner rather than later in a clinic, doctor’s office, emergency room, or at least by contacting the 811 health line.”

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to take necessary precautions as the flu season intensifies.