Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola, says that due to H3N2 mutations and because of low vaccination rates among youth, the flu season has arrived early with cases rising in the Yellowknife area and in the Norman Wells area.
Dr. Kandola says the trend was first observed about two weeks ago and is likely to continue over the holiday season and spread to other parts of the N.W.T.
“We anticipate it will continue to increase and increase other parts of the N.W.T. as we are approaching the holiday season,” said Dr. Kandola.
“It is trending across the country, what we’re seeing is the h3n2 has been has developed a mutation so the vaccine itself might not be as effective against the influenza vaccine,” explained the Chief Public Health Officer.
Despite the mutation, the vaccine does have some protection against all three strains, said Dr. Kandola.
Officials are seeing an increase of influenza among youth.
Youth currently have the lowest vaccination rate in the N.W.T, with only 10 percent of the total vaccinated population being under the age of 18 years old, said Dr. Kandola.
With the flu season arriving early, Dr. Kami Kandola, says the biggest concern is at-risk populations including Elders, who are 65 and older.
“They are higher risk for influenza related complications, because their immune system tends to wane as they get older, those who are in settings, like long-term care facilities, retirement homes – where they’re crowded together.”
To prevent the spread of the virus, officials are advising anyone experiencing flu symptoms to take precautions.
“We really encourage people who are sick not to go visit,” said Dr. Kandola.
Chronic conditions can put people at greater risk of complications from the flu.
“People who are pregnant, who have chronic conditions whether lung disease, heart disease, kidney or liver disease or diabetes – some of these chronic conditions can put them at risk for related complications. So if you’re a caretaker of a healthcare worker, or a family member, or a caretaker that is interacting with this high-risk population, we strongly encourage you to get vaccinated”
The Chief Public Health Officer believes one of the main sites of spread has been through schools. With the increased traffic of the holiday season, officials anticipate that the virus will likely continue to spread and are encouraging the folks to wash their hands often, stay home if sick and consider receiving an influenza vaccination
Dr. Kandola said wastewater samples have confirmed the rise of flue cases inYellowknife.
“The majority of these cases are in children under the age of 18, What we are seeing is the majority of these influenza cases are of the H3 subtype. That there has been a mutation in that particular subtype,” she explained
Dr. Kandola explains that vaccination covers all subtypes of the virus to some degree.
“We haven’t seen any severity related to this influenza activity so there is a possibility, that you can still protect against severity from this H3 subtypes strain, even though there are some mutations,” said the Chief Public Health Officer.
With increased gathering indoors over the holiday season, it is anticipated that the virus will continue to spread.
“We could see an increase in influenza transmission,” she cautions.
Across the country there are similar trends, added Dr. Kandola.
“The best way to mitigate the spread is, one, practise healthy habits so if you’re sick stay home. Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, wipe off surfaces that you were touching. If you are going out to indoor crowded areas and you’re at risk and you can’t avoid it, we recommend that you wear a mask,” she explained.
Officials, including Dr. Kandola also recommend that people get vaccinated, but there are also other things people can do to protect their health and the health of their loved ones during flu season.
“Staying hydrated, minimising your stress, reducing your substance use.”
Dr. Kandola emphasized that anyone who is having severe symptoms should seek help immediately. She advises anyone experiencing shortness of breath or high fever or having difficulty breathing or having chest pain,
“It’s really important that you seek medical care or call 9-1-1. But if it’s not urgent and you need advice you can always call 811 because we have a registered nurse available 24 7 to answer any questions. At increased risk for influenza complications, it’s very important that you call 811 or reach after your health care provider. If you experiences any flu-like symptoms, so that they can, monitor, you and provide you additional support like early access to antiviral medication,” said Dr. Kandola.
