Discover Moose Jaw is taking a look back at 2022 and today's article is with Saskatchewan's Medical Health Officer, Dr. Hortense Tabien.

1. What are some things that stand out from 2022?

From a public health standpoint, COVID has remained a public health issue, including the multiple variants that have come up during the year. However, the bivalent vaccine has been very useful and effective in reducing serious illnesses, complications, hospitalizations and deaths.

This fall and winter, we saw a re-emergence of multiple respiratory viruses. Influenza continues to be quite aggressive this season. Serious illness continues to affect both the very young and the very old. Getting the flu shot continues to be the best way to protect yourself, friends and family from serious illness, complications and death. Unfortunately, influenza immunization rates are still below the desired levels this season. If you haven’t been immunized against the flu or received your COVID booster, it is not too late to do so as these viruses are still circulating. 

Extreme weather, including both extreme heat in the summer to extreme cold this winter, also stands out. During winter, it is important to dress in layers and warm clothing outside and stay hydrated. Winter car kits are also important, especially when travelling.

2. Do you think that COVID-19 is behind us or is there more to come?

COVID is not going anywhere; we have to learn to live with it. The way that we do that is to try to minimize its impact. That includes staying home when you are sick and staying up-to-date on your vaccinations. We need to continue to minimize the spread the same as we would with other communicable diseases. Some helpful tips include washing your hands regularly, respiratory etiquette like coughing into your elbow and choosing to mask when appropriate.

3. What has the COVID situation been like in 2022? What are the lingering effects?

There are still people getting ill from COVID, including some with severe illnesses requiring hospitalization. Vaccinations have helped a lot in reducing these cases. Unfortunately, some cases of COVID, especially in the unvaccinated, can develop complications. We are still learning about these “Long COVID” complications. It is also important to note other effects of COVID, such as the social and mental implications, including addictions.

The increase in preventable diseases has also been a troubling trend in public health. This includes both communicable like sexually transmitted diseases, (STIs), and syphilis especially, and non-communicable diseases from changes in behavioural patterns, like diet and exercise.

4. What are you looking forward to in 2023?

 It is important we all continue to work towards strengthening public health throughout Saskatchewan. A lot of this work will fall under the initiatives of health assessments, disease and injury prevention, health protection, and health promotion, essentially moving towards better health for everyone in the province.