As the temperature drops and people spend more time indoors, a rise in influenza and influenza-related complications occurs throughout the province.
A good start to prevent contracting influenza is by getting a flu shot.
Each year, thousands of people in Canada are hospitalized because of the flu, Dr. Bonnie Henry, a provincial health officer said in a news release.
“Immunization is one of the best ways for people to stay healthy, not only during the holidays, but year-round.”
It is free for many eligible British Columbians, including children between the ages of six months and five years, people 65 years and older, individuals with chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems, as well as their caretakers.
As the 2018-19 influenza season progresses, Henry expects to see more cases reported in the upcoming months.
Based on what has been observed so far, influenza A H1N1 has been the predominant strain circulating in the province, she said. This strain tends to affect predominantly young and middle-aged adults, and is why more cases have been reported in children and young adults than last year.
“Influenza vaccines historically have offered good protection against these strains, which is why I recommend all children between the ages of six months and five years, as well as adults, be immunized,” Henry said. “A flu shot can also reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick – another good reason for people to roll up their sleeves and get one, if they haven’t yet.”
Hospitalized patients and seniors in residential care are more vulnerable to influenza than healthy adults. To help protect them, effective Dec. 3, all health authority employees, students, physicians, residents, contractors, vendors, volunteers and visitors to health-care facilities are required to be immunized or wear a mask when in a patient care area. The vaccine is offered free for these groups as well.
To find the nearest flu shot clinic, call HealthLink BC at 811 or visit the Influenza Clinic Finder at: www.immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu.
In Osoyoos, Shoppers Drug Mart operates a flu shot clinic from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition to getting the flu shot, you should also clean your hands regularly (with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs), Henry advises. If you do get sick, cover your mouth when you cough or cough into your sleeve, stay home and avoid public areas, especially health care facilities, to keep the influenza bug from others.
