Manitoba is preparing for respiratory virus season

As we enter flu season, the Manitoba government has announced a strategy to ease pressure on the health care system and help Manitobans stay healthy.

Provincial head of public health Dr. Brent Roussin and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the strategy at a press conference on Wednesday, saying the government is taking a proactive approach.

“So no one has to wonder whether their grandparent, their parents, their child or their loved one has access to the care they need,” Asagwara said.

The province’s preparations for the respiratory virus season include vaccines, building up ICU and acute care beds and a province-wide advertising campaign.

The province noted it recently funded 18 adult ICU beds, eight pediatric ICU beds and four rollaway beds. This brings the total number of adult ICU beds to 110 and PICU beds to 21.

Manitoba has also opened 112 acute beds, with plans to open another 70.

“At the end of the day, we’re all in this together,” Asagwara said.

“And we are working with all of you on the front lines to make our health care system stronger, especially this time of year.”

Flu and COVID vaccines are available at medical clinics, ACCESS centers, vaccine clinics, pharmacies and nursing stations. The RSV vaccine is offered free of charge to seniors over the age of 60 who live in long-term care facilities.

More information about respiratory viruses, including prevention, treatment and care, can be found online.