New COVID cases continue downward trend, but officials urge caution as flu season approaches

Health officials say COVID-19 cases are still trending downward nationallybut warnthat a hard flu season could put more pressure on the health care system.

Last week, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported that the virus's reproductive number (Rt) had fallen below one for the first time since mid-July, putting new COVID infectionson a downward trajectory for the first time in months.

PHAC says the past week saw an average of about 3,160 new cases per day, down 15 per cent from3,745 average cases the previous week.

WATCH: Dr. Tam provides update onCOVID-19 in Canada

Tam provides update on COVID-19 in Canada

3 years ago

Duration 1:48

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says we're seeing a decline in COVID-19 disease activity nationally.

But Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam continuesto urgeprecautions to avoid straining the health care system at a time when thousands of Canadians are still being treated for the virus in hospitals.

Tam pointed tothe approaching flu season as a reason for Canadians to remain cautious.

"If a continuing fourth wave of COVID 19 were combined with a resurgence of the flu,this could place additional pressures on the health care system," Tam told a press conferenceFriday.

Strict health measures in place to prevent thespread ofCOVID-19 last fall and winter had the added effect of limiting the spread of the influenza virus, Tam said, adding last year's flu season was virtually "non-existent."

WATCH: Dr. Tam urges Canadians to get flu shot

Tam urges Canadians to get flu shot

3 years ago

Duration 1:48

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer, says it's especially important to get a flu shot this season since it was basically non-existent last year due to COVID-19 public health measures.

But with lighter restrictions this year and lowered populationimmunity due to the flu'slimited spread last year, the flu virus could be poised for a resurgence, Tam said.

"Even before COVID, there are some very, very severe influenza seasons where you are already going to get the [emergency rooms]crowded and your hospitals at overcapacity. So this is definitely not the year to have influenza wreak havoc," Tam said.

Tam said preventing the spread of the flu virus will be key to protecting the health care systemand encouraged Canadians to continue practicing key health measures, such as frequent hand washing, staying home when sick andgetting the flu shot.

"Getting the flu shot is more important now than ever," she said.

Current Pfizer stock not usable for children under 12

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have submitted preliminary data from their trial of a COVID-19 shot for kids to Health Canada earlier than expected. A formal filing of a submission for authorization of a vaccine for children is expected in the coming days.

Currently, there are novaccines approved by Health Canada for use on children under the age of 12.

Tam cautioned that once such a vaccine is approved, it won't mean thatchildren under 12 can line up to be vaccinated right away with the current Pfizer doses Canada currently has in stock.

Children under 12 may require a lower dosage than adults.While Tam said it's possible to draw lower doses from the vials currently in stock, she warned that it might cause the vaccine in those vials to be less effective.

"You can certainly look for different kinds of needles that might do the trick, but you can't just dilute that vial ...because that might actually change some aspect of how the formulation might work," she said.