Flu Season Normal in Northern Health Region
Prince George, B.C. – The upswing in cases of flu is normal says Dr. William Osei, Medical Health Officer for the Northern Interior region of Northern Health.
“Over the past ten years, we normally have an increase in flu in late December and early January, and then another peak about 4 weeks after that. There is no cause for concern.”
Dr. Osei says there have been 26 lab confirmed cases of influenza, and there have been 8 cases of flu like symptoms that have placed people in the hospital, 3 of those cases confirmed as influenza.
Those serious cases involved patients aged 55 or older, only one of the serious cases was under the age of 40. Yet, those at highest risk are under the age of 5 or over 65.
1.4 million doses of flu vaccine have been ordered for the province, Public Health Nursing program manager , Carolyn Bouchard says there has been a good response to immunization clinics and there is no concern of any shortage of vaccine.
Dr. Osei says if you haven’t already received a flu shot, you should get one as soon as possible “You may come in contact with it, and it is in its incubation period so a flu shot may not work , so the sooner you get the shot, the better off you will be.”
Bouchard agrees, saying that if you get a shot today, it will take about ten days for that shot to take full effect.
Anyone looking to get a flu shot, should contact Healthlink BC at 8-1-1. The list of those eligible for a free vaccine continues to grow, as it now includes anyone who plans to visit someone in a health care facility, those who are at increased risk of complications, or who come in regular contact with those groups.
The complete list of who is eligible for a free flu shot can be found at ImmunizeBC
Dr. Osei says it is important all northern residents get a flu shot, but in addition to getting immunized for influenza, people should also:
- Practice frequent and adequate hand hygiene practices
- Observe cough etiquette
- Stay at home if they have influenza symptoms
Comments
most people would probably assume the apocalypse is coming soon, and coming in the form of the flu, given the massive uptick in media reporting over the past 10 days.
Last time I got a flu shot I got really sick! Since then – no way Dr. Osei!
Perhaps Northern Health can look into why Walmart does not have hand sanitizer dispensers and paper hand wipes at the entrance to the store in Prince George? Shopping carts are notorious spreaders of disease, a well known fact! There are still too many stores in town which do not have doors that open automatically – door handles are another source of spreading germs and viruses!
Just a suggestion of course! One would think that it would be better to address the sources of spreading of viruses and germs instead of ignoring the obvious!
Ah, well.
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