BC potentially facing worst flu in years

Flu season is around the corner, and health officials and the BC Center for Disease Control warn that this year’s strain could be a potent one. Thousands of Canadians are hospitalized every year due to influenza, and for seniors, young children, or people with weakened immune systems and chronic health conditions, the flu can be deadly. Doctors of BC and health officials are urging all British Columbians to get vaccinated, stating this year’s vaccine seems to be a good match to the serious H3N2 strain currently circulating.

“The annual flu vaccine is the single-most effective way to reduce the spread of influenza,” says Dr Alan Ruddiman, President of Doctors of BC. “By protecting yourself, you also protect the people around you who may be more vulnerable to serious flu illness – the young, the elderly, and physicians themselves who care for patients already in compromised health situations.”

The flu can be spread before you even know you are unwell, having an incubation period of 1 to 7 days – meaning you may be contagious for up to one week before showing any symptoms. Coughing, sneezing, and face-to-face contact spread the virus.

Each year, scientists research what the most likely influenza virus will be for the upcoming flu season, and develop a vaccine to attack it. Flu vaccines work by causing antibodies to develop in the body that in turn fight off the viral strain in the vaccine.

Here are some simple and effective flu prevention tips:

Annual vaccination

Get vaccinated each fall. Doctors recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months be vaccinated, especially those with compromised immune systems including the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, or people with already weakened immune systems.

Frequent hand-washing

Wash your hands with soap and water several times throughout the day to reduce the risk of catching influenza and other infections.

Practice good respiratory hygiene

Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve while coughing and sneezing rather than using your hands.

Stay home when you’re sick

If you have a fever and/or respiratory infection… stay home. The early stages of influenza are the most infectious.

Where can you get your flu shot?

Free vaccines are provided to those who are considered high risk including seniors, children, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions. To find a flu shot clinic near you visit Immunize BC’s Influenza Clinic Locator, or contact HealthLink BC.

Media stories on this topic:

CTV News – This season’s flu strain particularly nasty, BC doctors warn

Times Colonist – Province urges everyone to get flu vaccine

CHEK News – BC could be facing the deadliest flu season in years

Victoria News – Deadlier flu season may be brewing for BC