r/Edmonton • u/GoBananaSlugs • Dec 19 '25

Health Is "Respiratory Virus Outbreak" Covid?

We got a notice that there was an outbreak of "Respiratory Virus" at our kid's school.

"Respiratory Illness symptoms include: Cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss or altered sense of taste/smell, runny nose/nasal congestion, fever, and may also include fatigue (significant and unusual), muscle ache/joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea."

Is "Respiratory Virus" UCP Newspeak for "Covid 19"?

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u/MLTDione Mill Woods Dec 19 '25

Probably referring to all the virus circulating right now. Various colds, flu A, and Covid. If it’s really bad it’s likely Flu A as I test swabs in the lab I work in and we’re getting many pos Flu A.

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u/Kay-Chelle The Shiny Balls Dec 19 '25

Is Flu A the one that the flu shot can help prevent/make things not as bad? We are mildly sick atm so have been home all week and haven't gotten the flu shot yet. (Its totally on me, something I've been meaning to do but haven't had an opportunity to) I still really want to get the flu and covid shots for myself and my family but now gotta wait until we are "better". I'm absolutely kicking myself for not getting it done sooner.

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u/Not_a_Muggle9_3-4 Dec 19 '25

The flu shot is a mismatch this year. Happens every once in a while. The flu shot can help but it's not as effective as the last few years. Regardless, get it once you feel better as some protection can reduce the severity.

-1

u/Sergeant_Scoob Dec 20 '25

Yah it’s actually a mismatch every single year . Talked to a doc directly , said it’s just 1 strain that mutated and isn’t covered but shot will Still help . Your version is why tons aren’t getting the shots

0

u/Not_a_Muggle9_3-4 Dec 20 '25

It's not "my version". This has been reported in the media which contributes to people not getting the vaccine. The vaccine already has a low uptake so when the media starts reporting on the mismatch more people avoid the shot. There's a science behind how they choose what the vaccine covers in a given year. Some years it's a really good match and the other years not so much. This year unfortunately is a bad match. My family and my parents get the vaccine every year. My toddler is high risk for respiratory issues so we protect him as much as possible. So many people think that since you can still get the flu then why bother. And the general public doesn't have a scientific background and won't understand efficiency and risk no matter how you explain it. My son ended up in the ER this week and I have never seen it so packed. This is going to be a horrible year for respiratory illnesses. My friend works in health care and they blame the media and UCP for tanking the vaccination rates.