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
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
Australian police arrest 7 alleged teen extremists linked to stabbing of a bishop in a Sydney church
Australian police arrested seven teenagers accused of following a violent extremist ideology in raids across Sydney on Wednesday, as a judge extended a ban on social media platform X sharing video of a knife attack on a bishop that started the criminal investigation.