Although influenza activity continues to increase across B.C., the Northern Health region is not seeing a particularly unusual influenza outbreak season so far.

Since the beginning of December, there have been four influenza outbreaks in Northern Health long-term care facilities.

鈥淭hese outbreaks are not unexpected given it is influenza season and those outbreaks have not been particularly severe,鈥� said Eryn Collins, a spokesperson for Northern Health.

鈥淲hen we have an outbreak in a facility, we increase our infection control measures and precautions and we communicate with patients, residents, staff, visitors and families of residents through direct contact and signage in the facilities,鈥� she added.

So far there has been one death associated with influenza as a result of these outbreaks. Collins says this is also not unexpected.

鈥淭he flu claims a number of lives in the province every year, and the elderly are one group that is at higher risk of complication from the flu,鈥� she explained.

When it comes to predominant strains, both the A (H3N2) and influenza B - a less severe strain which tends to target children - are circulating across B.C. this season.

鈥淚t is somewhat unusual to be seeing the B strain this early in the season,鈥� said Collins.

When it comes to the effectiveness of this season鈥檚 vaccine, Collins says it鈥檚 too early to determine how effective the flu vaccine has been so far. However, she points out that this season鈥檚 vaccine is the same as last year鈥檚.

Last year the flu vaccine was found to be very effective against the B strain, with a 73 per cent risk reduction, but only moderately effective against the A (H3N2) strain, with a 37 per cent risk reduction.

Collins says data regarding the effectiveness of this year鈥檚 vaccine is expected to be released later in the season.

In addition to influenza, the Northern Health region is seeing a significant number of gastrointestinal illnesses such as the norovirus this season.

鈥淭hat has been the source of a number of outbreaks across the region as well,鈥� said Collins. 鈥淭hat is another illness that can be more of a risk for people who are very young, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.鈥�

She adds that severe dehydration is the most common complication risk associated with this type of illness.

Northern Health is urging residents experiencing gastrointestinal illnesses to stay away from work or school until two days after they feel better since they can still spread the virus after their symptoms are gone.

People who are in high-risk groups, or people who could spread influenza to those vulnerable groups, are still being encouraged to get their influenza shot.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not too late,鈥� said Collins. 鈥淰accines are still available at doctors鈥� offices and pharmacies.鈥�

Northern Health also advises people who feel sick to avoid visiting long-term care facilities.

In addition, all visitors to Northern Health facilities who have not received their annual flu shot are being asked to wear a surgical mask.

READ MORE: Some visitors to Northern Health facilities asked to wear a surgical mask

newsroom@ldnews.net
Like us on and follow us on .