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
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.