The flu season in New Brunswick started earlier and there are more cases than in previous years.
Between August and January, 871 cases of influenza have been reported in New Brunswick.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell says four people have died, and 156 have been hospitalized, “Some of the hospitalizations were children as young as 10 and under. We were also seeing people young and middle aged with chronic diseases making up the bulk of those who were hospitalized.”
Dr. Russell also pointed out that many of the people who have been hospitalized had not had their flu shot. “Usually the flu season starts in mid December and we see the peak in mid February, but this year, we were seeing cases in November. So it could be that we’re seeing the peak of it earlier.”
She says it is not too late to get a flu shot, especially if you are in a high risk category,”We expect the season to go for many weeks still. If you are a healthy individual, and you think you don’t need a flu shot, reconsider.”
Meantime, an outbreak of the flu has been reported in one unit of the Georges-Dumont Hospital.
As a result, management has temporarily suspended visits to the Psychiatry Unit.
The suspension will remain in effect until further notice.
