Often they can't stay home as they have breathing issues, uncontrolled fever or other serious related issues.
They attend the ER because they feel sufficiently ill. When we look at the number of COVID & flu admissions, many are right to do so.
— Kate Pritchard (@COVID19info101) January 1, 2025
Quebec’s emergency rooms are overwhelmed, with Montreal ER occupancy soaring to 145%. Health officials are urging residents with mild respiratory illnesses to stay home to ease the burden, but many with severe symptoms feel compelled to seek care.
A surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and flu cases, is straining the healthcare system. Hospitals are struggling to manage the influx, leaving patients and providers in a challenging situation.
The U.S. lost control of Bird Flu, per Scientific America.
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) January 2, 2025
Sources:
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/quebecers-respiratory-illnesses-urged-stay-212507448.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-er-crowded-again-1.7079855
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/overcrowded-ers-new-year-tips-1.7420866
https://erinfo.ca/en/qc/cities/29
https://clinique.bonjour-sante.ca/urgence/occupancy-emergency