COVID-19 measures reduced influenza trends last year across Canada. Last year, social distancing measures and lockdowns meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 also ended the flu season early in Canada.
“However, this year, as COVID-19 restrictions loosen, and more people are interacting in more places, the flu is expected to make a comeback this fall and winter,” said Nadine Conlon, a public health nurse with the health unit.
Conlon says the best thing people can do to protect themselves and vulnerable people — such as the elderly, young children and pregnant women — is to get vaccinated. Because the influenza virus evolves and changes each year, the health unit recommends annual vaccinations.
Symptoms of influenza — fever, cough, sore throat, head and muscle aches — can be similar to those of the much more serious COVID-19 infection.
This year’s vaccine, said Conlon, offers protection against four strains of the virus, and is available to anyone six months of age or older.
Appointments for Flu Vaccines for ages 5 and above can be made now here.
