It’s that time of the year where more cases of the flu start rolling in, as the respiratory season ramps up.
B.C.’s top doctor, Dr. Bonnie Henry said Wednesday that the flu season is off to an early start, as cases are starting to increase, particularly among children as students returned to classrooms this fall.
Northern Health Medical Health Officer, Dr. Rakel Kling said the north is no different.
“We’re absolutely getting reports of influenza circulating through official lab reports and also just hearing anecdotally there’s a lot of people sick out there.”
“It’s a good time to remember all our usual ways of staying safe during the respiratory season.”
Dr. Kling said it’s important to stay home when feeling sick, and if you have to go out, to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer, cough into your elbow, and do your best to stay away from people.
It’s also encouraged to keep flu shots up to date, which is expected to be available after the long weekend.
“The flu shot should be available starting roughly next week. They might not be available everywhere, but we’re starting to get our shipments of vaccines, starting to make sure that it’s available in our health units and our pharmacies, and making sure the public can get access to it.” said Dr. Kling.
More information about the flu and immunization vaccines can be found here.
– With files from Emily Joveski, Vista Radio staff
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
