Respiratory viruses, such as influenza and COVID-19, often spoil the party during Christmas celebrations. The director of public health in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean reminds us how to avoid catching or transmitting a virus to loved ones during the festivities.
For those wondering if it is safe to celebrate with loved ones while sick, Dr. Donald Aubin believes the situation depends on the symptoms.
There are people who have very few symptoms and who are very well, then probably who have a small virus which is not very serious, he explained in an interview on the show It's never the same. So at this time, indeed the mask can be recommended and still avoid having too many close contacts. On the other hand, the person who is really sick, I think it is better to stay away.
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The director of public health for Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Dr. Donald Aubin.
Photo : - / Lynda Paradis
The regional director says that the more time an infected person spends in the company of other people, the more likely they are to transmit their virus, whether by helping themselves at a buffet or by kissing a loved one.
A virus multiplies by having contact with people, he said. When we have very, very brief contact, the chances are still reduced, but when we get to the buffet, there is quite prolonged contact.
A positive portrait for the moment
The region is currently doing well when it comes to respiratory virus transmission. However, Dr. Aubin expects an increase in cases after the holiday season.
There is a good chance that we will end up with a peak of influenza around the middle of January, he added. Whether it's going to be very, very high, we can never know, but the period after the Holidays when there will have been a lot of contact, the first or second week after the Holidays, it's certain that There is a little more risk. But we are in a period where there is still moderate transmission. So, we're going to want to have a wonderful holiday season.
According to information from Frédéric Tremblay
