‘Dramatic’ increase in flu cases in B.C.: Dr. Henry

It’s been an early start to the flu season in British Columbia, which is a concern for health officials.

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in influenza A, and it’s earlier that we would normally see, this early peak,” Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, told a news conference Monday (Dec. 5).

Henry said the type of virus that is causing the most illness is influenza H3N2, which causes more severe illness in older people and younger children.

Henry said more children are getting sick as they haven’t been exposed to the flu for the last two to three years due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

“So more of them are getting sick now. We see that reflected in absenteeism in our schools where people are keeping children at home when they are sick,” Henry said.

The health officer said hospitals and other health care centres are starting to report more severe cases of the flu, and in some cases, complications from the virus, such as secondary bacterial infections.

“So that’s the concern we have right now,” Henry stated.

Henry explained Canada usually saw between 2,500 to 3,000 people who die from influenza each year with up to 20,000 hospitalized, prior to COVID.

Now, she says the peak is happening earlier, adding it takes six to eight weeks to move through the population.

“We still have time to blunt the impact of this transmission by getting people vaccinated,” said Henry, adding “that’s the best protection, especially for children.”

Henry noted the vaccines are free for everyone over six months of age, along with an enhanced vaccine for seniors over 65.

She said children under the age of five are most at risk of severe illness from the flu and complications.

Henry added there are nasal spray vaccines for children aged two to 17 if they have concerns about needles.

Dr. Penny Ballam, executive lead, Immunize BC Vaccine Operations, said over 1.5 million people have been vaccinated for the flu so far this year, which she called “a very strong and enthusiastic response to the campaign.”

“Which is much above last year, and I believe getting close to a record in the province,” Ballem said.

Ballem added about 70 per cent of the vaccine has been used, with more available if needed.

Over 50 per cent of seniors over 65 have been vaccinated.

However, only 20 per cent of children six months to four years had had a shot, same as five to 11 years old, and just 15 per cent of teens have been vaccinated for the flu.

“So our callout today is to all children and youth, and particularly those small ones, to make that extra effort on behalf of their parents to get them vaccinated,” Ballem stated.

People can book shots on the Get Vaccinated website.

Children aged five to 11 (and older) can get their vaccine from a pharmacy.

People will be sent notifications to parents as a reminder to register their kids for shots and book an appointment.

Sonia Furstenau, leader of the B.C. Greens, is critical of the government for not advising the public to do more to prevent the spread of diseases.

“Vaccination is one tool but not the whole kit for protecting our communities and hospitals from mass infection,” Furstenau said. “As Dr. Henry said, we can blunt the peak of illness but it needs to be done with a comprehensive approach, of which vaccination is just one part. Ventilation, masks, distancing – these can help reduce risk of transmission but have received little investment by this government.”

Furstenau said high numbers of children and teachers are missing school because they are sick, children’s wards and ERs are overwhelmed, and operations for children and infants are being cancelled.

“The government needs to educate the public on how the virus is transmitted, the risk of death and long-term health from COVID and other viruses, the cost of mass infection on our healthcare system, and the risk the pressure of these illnesses is placing on hospitals, particularly children’s wards,” Furstenau said in a statement.