VANCOUVER – The flu season is still in full swing and the number of cases could rise now that kids are back at school after the holidays.
The most common strain this year is the H3N2, but the virus has mutated. That means those who got a flu shot are not as protected as they might hope.
“So we’re seeing, what is being categorized, in terms of influenza impact, on physician’s offices and emergency rooms, as kind of a 10-year high,” said Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, speaking on Global News’ Bc1’s After Noon show.
READ MORE: B.C. bracing for more flu cases as H3N2 mutates
“The World Health Organization influenza experts look at what was circulating in previous years and where it looks like the mutations are going, and what’s circulated in the Southern Hemisphere because that’s likely to what you see in the next season in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Kendall. “And then they make recommendations to the vaccine manufacturers based on their best guesses as to which strains of Influenza A and Influenza B will be circulating. And then the vaccine manufacturers in February / March start making the vaccines.”
Kendall said since the H3N2 virus mutated, the vaccine is not as effective against that strain.
“This year we have an H3N2 that typically affects older people,” said Kendall.
The Ministry of Health is still recommending people get the flu vaccine as it is effective in protecting against other strains. Find out where to get them and who is eligible for a free shot.
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