Written by: Hayden Pon with Contributions by Dr. Julian Marsden and the ECBC Clinical Resources team.  

Seasonal respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, Influenza, RSV and Enterovirus/Rhinovirus and their complications remain important public health concerns in British Columbia (BC). Cold and flu season typically lasts from November to April and significantly impacts the population during late fall and winter months. In 2023, respiratory illnesses made up almost 20% of all emergency department (ED) visits during peak reporting season in late December. Children and older individuals are disproportionately more impacted in terms of susceptibility, as well as morbidity and mortality.  

Healthcare providers who treat seasonal respiratory illnesses in the ED are optimally positioned to promote prevention strategies such as vaccination education and disease prevention to reduce the burden faced by healthcare systems. 

Here are some resources and links to support you and the patients you care for during respiratory illness season:  

Health Authority Specific Information 

 

• First Nations Health Authority: Holiday Season is Also Flu Season 

• Fraser Health: Influenza 

• Interior Health: Respiratory Season 

• Island Health: Influenza 

• Northern Health: Influenza and Immunizations 

• Vancouver Coastal Health: Cold and Influenza 

Review the updated rates of respiratory illness in BC Emergency Departments here. 

 

Resources for Clinicians 

 

ECBC Point-of-Care Clinical Summaries 

• Influenza 

• Asthma Exacerbation Diagnosis and Treatment 

• COPD Diagnosis and Treatment  

• Bronchiectasis Diagnosis and Treatment 

• Community Acquired Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment 

 

Other Resources 

 

• Health Canada: Influenza for Health Professionals  

• National Advisory Committee on Immunization: Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine 2024-2025 

• Immunize Canada: RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19 

• Smoking Cessation: CAMH Toolkit for Smoking Cessation offers a variety of resources and information for the assessment and management of those trying to quit smoking. BC’s Smoking Cessation Program also provides resources and medication coverage for eligible BC residents. 

 

Resources for Patients & Families 

 

• ECBC Patient Information Resources: Cough, Colds, COVID-19, and Influenza.  

• Government of British Columbia: Healthy Habits for Respiratory Season 

• HealthLink BC: Learn about Colds and Flu 

• COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool: Answer a few questions about your symptoms to see if a test is recommended. 

• 8-1-1 HealthLink BC: Speak to a registered nurse, available 24/7.  

• Quitnow.ca: Resource for BC patients looking to quit smoking.