Here's why B.C. might see a more severe flu season this year: doctor
After two years with almost no flu season, B.C. physicians are warning there could be a spike in cases this fall and winter.
Dr. Rhonda Low, a family physician in Vancouver, told CTV Morning Live this week the potential rise in both COVID-19 cases and the flu has health officials concerned.
"There are a couple reasons why we might see a more severe flu season this year," Low said.
"We were more isolated these past two pandemic years so there's less flu in the community so that meant decreased population immunity against the flu. And now, with the safety measures relaxed, the masks are off, it means everyone is more vulnerable to those circulating respiratory viruses."
Low said the southern hemisphere is also giving a bit of insight into what kind of flu season communities in the northern hemisphere could be in for this year.
"The recent winter in Australia and New Zealand saw their most severe flu season in five years," she said. "We know that what happens in the southern hemisphere often foreshadows what will happen to us in the northern hemisphere."
Locally, the flu season tends to start around November and peak in January and February, Low said.
"We're being a little bit concerned about it. Talk of the flu has been overshadowed by COVID in recent years, but the flu does routinely kill a few thousand people across Canada every year, so to reduce the risk of death, especially for the vulnerable, we're really emphasizing that folks get that flu vaccine," she said.
Flu vaccines have already been offered to some vulnerable British Columbians, like residents of long-term care homes, but the shot will be available to the general public starting next week. Those getting their COVID-19 bivalent booster may be offered a flu shot at the same time.
Health officials are also gearing up for the impact a significant flu season could have on resources. For example, projections based on a possible "high" flu season, could see a peak of up to 1,200 additional patients requiring hospitalizations over the coming months.
Besides getting updated vaccinations, Low said there are other measures individuals can take to protect themselves.
"We can still protect ourselves, you can still wear a mask, but also be aware of your indoor environment, especially the ventilation," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.