Quebec could be in for a severe flu season, officials and experts say – CBC
By October Quebecers will be able to roll up their sleeves for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine
Sep 11, 2022
Public health officials and infectious diseases specialists are urging caution for seniors and those with chronic illnesses ahead of what could potentially be a more severe flu season than usual this fall.
With fewer Canadians opting to get their flu vaccines over the past two years because of a lull in influenza cases and the end of COVID-19 related health restrictions this spring, Dr. Matthew Oughton says there are more people now at a heightened risk of getting the flu.
The infectious diseases specialist at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital said the dropping of measures like mask mandates can also explain why Canada is experiencing such an unusual trend in influenza cases this year.
Cases began popping up in April and through June. That’s much earlier than the usual November to March trend the country sees, but not surprising either, Oughton said.
