Canadians could be in for a bad flu season as a deadly strain has hit in Australia infecting almost 100,000 people. It’s the most severe outbreak on record and countries around the globe are now bracing for the H2N2 virus.
In Kingston, there’s a push for everyone to receive the shot before flu season arrives but this year the health unit is no longer leading the charge to administer the vaccine.
Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla is the Associate Medical Officer of Health for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Health Unit.
“We think it’s really important to do whatever is most convenient. People who are working late or need after hours weekend access.”
And so the bulk of influenza vaccines will now be administered by family doctors and by pharmacists.
Karachiwalla says over 3,500 Canadians die from flu-related illnesses while 12,000 are hospitalized every year. The best defence is the flu shot.
“We don’t have any active cases right now circulating in the Kingston and surrounding areas and it does take about two weeks after you get the shot for you to be fully protected. So [we’re] definitely encouraging people to get it now.”
Along with getting the flu shot, Canadians are being reminded about the importance of taking precautions to protect yourself from the spread of viruses. Washing your hands on a regular basis and coughing or sneezing into your elbow, instead of your hands can help you ward off the flu.
Comments