Flu season hits BC earlier than expected, disproportionately impacting children | FULL

British Columbia has seen a sudden surge in Influenza A cases leading to a sharp rise in absenteeism at schools and more severe cases in children.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says flu cases have come sooner than expected and less natural immunity in children is having an impact on spread and severity.

“More of them are getting sick and we see that absenteeism at schools,” Henry said at an update Monday.

“We are starting to see more severe cases along with complications from influenza. We know influenza can lead to secondary bacterial infections and has a greater impact on children than COVID.”

Henry is encouraging British Columbians, especially children, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Typically, influenza season lasts about eight weeks and vaccines can help slow the spread.

More than 1.5 million doses of flu vaccine have been doled out in the province, but the youth vaccination rate continues to be staggering low.

For more info, please go to: https://globalnews.ca/news/9325754/bc-health-update-covid-rsv-influenza/

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