Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV: What to expect as Calgary kids head back to school

Last fall and winter, we saw a trifecta of viral respiratory infections clearing out classrooms and filling up hospital beds. What can parents expect now that class is back in session?

In 2022, the healthcare system was hit with RSV, COVID-19, and influenza, and the Calgary Board of Education reported nearly 10,000 students were not in attendance due to sickness at the time.

Dr. Craig Jenne, a professor of microbiology, immunology and infectious disease at the University of Calgary, says the situation is a lot different than what happened a couple of years ago, even with a new COVID-19 variant in the mix.

“The current strains circulating are not really causing a lot of people to require hospitalizations. It still spreads. It’s still out there. People will still catch it and perhaps feel pretty bad for a few days. But we’re not looking at the same situation we saw in 2020 and 2021,” he explained.

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It wasn’t just COVID-19 wreaking havoc on our healthcare system last year. Influenza and RSV also played their roles with the children’s hospital in particular feeling the strain, something Jenne says was “unfortunate timing.”

Last year, the Alberta Children’s Hospital emergency department saw more than 300 visits a day.

“Will we see them all at the same time like we did last year? Only time will tell whether we’ll be dealing with a trifecta again,” Jenne said.

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Jenne says, unlike previous years, we aren’t navigating unfamiliar territory and can take a proactive approach to staying healthy.

“So instead of looking at simply moving the fall and getting our seasonal flu shot, we really should be considering getting our flu and COVID shots,” he said.

“Most doctors pharmacies can provide them at the same time. So, it’s really not that big of a burden. And that will take two of those big three viral players off the table.”

While the vaccinations may not block infection entirely, Jenne says they will prevent serious outcomes.

And for those immunocompromised Albertans, he recommends wearing a face mask for an added layer of protection.