Flu Season is Here

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. - Northern Health says lab tests have confirmed that the flu is here.

Chief Medical Health Officer Doctor David Bowering says four confirmed cases of Influenza A have been recorded in Smithers and a number of other cases have shown up in Prince George.  Bowering says both of the outbreaks were among school children.  Northern Health says there have been higher than normal school absentee rates in the north because of flu-like illness, a sign that the flu season is underway.

"I want to emphasize for people that this is not unexpected.  In fact, we're a little bit surprised it's taken this long for the flu to officially arrive."

Northern Health is advising those people that qualify for a free flu shot to see their family doctor or the local health unit.  Those people in the following high-risk categories can get immunized for free:

• People 65 years of age and older
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• People with chronic diseases
• Children from six to 23 months old
• Household and child care contacts of children up to 23 months old
• Health care workers
• First responders such as police officers, firefighters, and ambulance attendants.

Those that don't qualify for a free influenza immunization can buy the vaccine through many local pharmacies and private clincs. 

About 4,500 people die across Canada each year from influenza.  Those most at risk of influenza and pneumonia (a serious complication of influenza) include the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness, and cough.  Northern Health advises people suffering these symptoms to stay at home and get well to avoid spreading the flu.

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