1 in 5 patients going to Waterloo region hospitals have respiratory illnesses, doctor says

About 20 per cent of the people who seek medical attention at hospitals in Waterloo region have symptoms of respiratory illnesses, a physician says.

"We're not testing all of them, but we know from the patients that are being admitted they are coming in with COVID, RSV, pneumonia, among other viral illnesses, including the flu," said Dr. Bill Kalirai, a physician and common chief of emergency medicine at Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener.

He said hospitals in the region are "close to full" in the lead up to Christmas and the new year.

"Sometimes a little bit over capacity," he said. "We're constantly seeing high volumes of patients. To put it in context, our two emergency departments in the city are designed to accommodate about 350 visits per day and we routinely see well over 400 patients per day."

He said people need to remember COVID-19 is still circulating in the community.

In numbers released on Friday, Region of Waterloo Public Health said there are currently seven outbreaks, including four in long-term care and retirement homes and three in congregate settings.

If you need to go to the emergency room, 'please do come'

The holidays tend to be a busy time at emergency departments, but Kalirai said that doesn't mean people should avoid going if they think they need to be seen immediately.

"If you feel you need to come to the emergency room, please do come. If you're not sure, please come," he said.

If people are unsure whether their symptoms warrant a visit to the hospital, he suggests contacting a family doctor or nurse practitioner, going to a walk-in clinic, calling Telehealth, speaking with a pharmacist or seeking advice from a virtual care provider.