Landsburg says while you may feel like every flu you have is the worst, this season is apparently no worse than any other.
That’s according to Shelley Landsburg, the Director for Communicable Disease Control in the province.
She says so far this year, they’ve seen flu activity similar to previous years.
“Some influenza type A’s and some influenza type B’s. And we also have begun monitoring hospitalizations and deaths, and it’s pretty much on par or slightly less than last year,” says Landsburg.
The flu vaccine this year, is a little less effective than in previous years, according to the Director for Communicable Disease Control in the province.
Shelley Landsburg says the flu vaccine protects us against three different strains of the virus, including H3N2.
However, she says because the vaccine has to be made in advance of the actual flu season, there is a little guesswork to be done.
She says the problem this year is H3N2 has changed a bit of its genetic material.
“And what that means is that the vaccine that was created last spring for our flu season is probably slightly different than what is actually circulating this year for that one virus,” says Landsburg.
She says you should still get a vaccine because it includes protection against three strains of the virus, not just H3N2, and also provides protection to the rest of the community.
“You’re not only protecting yourself, but you’re also protecting others who are at higher risk so you may not get the flu often, or you may say I never get sick, why would I get the vaccine,” says Landsburg. “It’s important so that you can protect those who get more serious illness from influenza.”
She adds while you are checking with your doctor about the flu vaccine, you should also remember to check if you are up to date on your other vaccines as adults do require boosters for other vaccines.
