The Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola has issued a public advisory that there is a significant increase in influenza activity in the territory, particularly in Yellowknife. Dr. Kandola reported that most cases so far are Influenza A (H3 subtypes) with two-thirds of cases occurring in children and adolescents under 18.
According to the report, the trend is expected to spread to other communities and the general population, especially as the holiday season approaches.
“We have seen a rise in residents seeking care at Stanton Territorial Hospital’s emergency department, and hospital admissions for influenza have increased. Absenteeism in schools and workplaces is also rising,” said Dr. Kami Kandola in an advisory issued this afternoon.
The Chief Public Health oOficer is encouraging the public to consider getting vaccinated and to follow precautionary steps such as washing hands often and staying home if sick with fever or other flu-like symptoms.
“Getting vaccinated and following simple hygiene practices can help protect you and others. Even though this year’s flu shot is not a perfect match for all strains (especially some mutations of H3N2), it still offers protection from other strains and can reduce the severity of illness,” said Dr. Kandola.
The chief health officer advises that getting a flu vaccine and following precautionary hygiene practices can help protect members of the public.
“Even though this year’s flu shot is not a perfect match for all strains (especially some mutations of H3N2), it still offers protection from other strains and can reduce the severity of illness,” said Dr. Kandola.
Influenza generally happens in two seasonal waves, with Influenza A peaking in fall and early winter and with Influenza B generally increasing in late winter and spring.
Advice from the Chief Public Health Officer:
- Consider getting a flu vaccine
- Practice health habits:
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean surfaces you touch frequently.
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness.
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces, especially if you are higher risk.
- Keep your immune system healthy by eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, reducing stress and reducing substance use (for more information, see Build a Stronger You).
“To date, most cases reported are influenza A (H3 subtypes). Even so, getting the vaccine is still important. It protects against other flu strains and may still help reduce how severe illness is, even if it doesn’t fully prevent it,” said Dr. Kandola.
Members of the public can check their eligibility for other vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, by calling 8-1-1 or reviewing the NWT Immunization Schedule.
Symptoms to watch for
Dr. Kandola advises to watch for the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Feeling generally unwell
Officials advise that while most people recover from the flu within a week to 10 days, some people experience severe illness and complications. Possible complications of influenza include worsening of chronic health conditions, heart complications, pneumonia and hospitalization.
Higher risk groups
Dr. Kandola advised that some people are at higher risk of experiencing more serious illness from influenza, including these groups:
- Children under 5
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- Adults and children with the following health conditions are also at increased risk:
- Anemia
- Cancer or any other condition and/or medication that weakens the immune system
- Children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment with long-term aspirin therapy
- Chronic heart, lung or kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Extremely overweight
- Neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions
When to seek medical care
- Officials advise to call 811 for non-urgent health advice or to check vaccine eligibility.
- Officials advise to call 911 or go to your nearest health centre if you have severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
According to stats collected by health officials, as of Dec. 4, about 16 per cent of people in the N.W.T. received at least one dose of the influenza vaccine. Nearly 40 per cent of residents aged 65 and older have received the vaccine. About 10 per cent of youth aged 18 and younger have received the vaccine.
 with two-thirds of cases occurring in children and adolescents under 18.According to the report, the trend is expected to spread to other communities and the general population, especially as the holiday season approaches.){kind=link}