Amid flu season increases and new research on lasting ‘long flu’ impacts, experts urge flu shot uptake – CTV

Dec. 15, 2023

As flu season sweeps across Canada and new research suggests the disease could come with a more long-term burden for some, health officials and experts are reminding the public of the importance of getting your shot.

It’s been nearly three weeks since the start of flu season was officially declared in Canada and we’re beginning to see cases surging in some regions, at the same time as COVID-19 cases are trending higher and higher.

Levels of influenza in Alberta right now are the highest they’ve been in 14 years. Data out of British Columbia is showing a rise in both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). And the number of flu cases showing up in Manitoba hospitals is putting a strain on the health-care system, Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said Thursday.

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, wrote in a statement Thursday that “respiratory illness season is well underway in Canada,” and that influenza, RSV and COVID-19 are all circulating right now.

Read more: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/amid-flu-season-increases-and-new-research-on-lasting-long-flu-impacts-experts-urge-flu-shot-uptake-1.6688741

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