Nova Scotia reports more flu deaths than COVID-19 this season, marking a shift in respiratory virus impact. Health officials urge renewed vaccination efforts.
Flu Season Proves Deadlier Than COVID in Nova Scotia
For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, Nova Scotia is witnessing more deaths from influenza than from COVID-19. According to the province’s Respiratory Watch Report, 124 people have died from the flu so far in the 2024–25 respiratory season, which began on August 25, 2024. In contrast, COVID-19 has accounted for 108 deaths in the same period.
Doctors Warn: Two Viruses Still Pose Serious Risk
Health experts say the development is no cause for relief. Dr. Lisa Barrett, an infectious disease specialist, emphasized that both viruses continue to strain the healthcare system. “Now we’ve got two viruses — not just one — that are still in the really important category for hospitalizations, bad lungs and deaths,” said Barrett. She described this flu season as one of the worst globally in the past decade.
COVID Becomes Endemic as Flu Resurges
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, said the numbers reflect a natural transition. “Pandemics don’t last forever. This is what we’d expect as we return to more of a normal respiratory virus season,” he said. COVID-19, now classified as endemic, has opened space for other viruses like influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to circulate more prominently.
Public Urged to Maintain Vigilance and Hygiene
Strang reminded the public that while fear of COVID-19 has decreased, respect for all respiratory viruses must remain high. “We need to take seriously all respiratory viruses,” he urged, recommending continued hand hygiene, appropriate mask use, staying home when sick, and most importantly, vaccination.
Vaccination Rates Falling Despite Proven Protection
Despite calls from health authorities, vaccine uptake remains lower than expected. Just 29% of Nova Scotians have received their flu shots this season, and only 18% have been vaccinated against COVID-19. “These vaccines are very effective against preventing severe illness and death,” said Strang. “That’s what we should be focusing on.”
New Steps Ahead: Expanded RSV Vaccine Access
In a proactive move, Nova Scotia will expand RSV vaccine eligibility this fall. The updated policy will include all residents aged 75 and above, regardless of their living arrangements. Health officials hope this expansion, coupled with renewed public health messaging, will curb the impact of seasonal respiratory viruses heading into the colder months.
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