(Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

Influenza Virus

Influenza virus strikes earlier than usual

Jan 14, 2020 | 6:13 PM

The notice of the influenza outbreak at Northwest Lodge was lifted in late December but seniors, people with underlying health conditions, compromised immune systems and caregivers are still at risk.

Dr. Mandiangu Nsungo, Medical Health Officer with Saskatchewan Health Authority, told meadowlakeNOW there have been three influenza outbreaks in north western long term care facilities to date.

“Type A virus is part of the reason for the outbreak in long term care facilities including in Meadow Lake,“ he said. “We’re noticing type B is appearing in a higher proportion earlier in the season. Usually type B appears in higher proportion toward the end of the season, typically the end of February and March.”

Nsungo said three quarters of the virus in circulation are type A influenza, and the remaining 25 per cent is of the Type B strain.

“What we know about type B is it affects school children and we don’t know what the implications of those observations will be later in the season,”

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Nsungo added the medical community is unsure why the influenza virus has shown up early.

“We know that influenza is a very unpredictable virus and can change from year to year. We don’t know why but we know it’s never the same situation every year,” he said.

If an individual has contracted the flu, Nsungo suggests minimizing transmission by staying home until the symptoms have subsided.

The health officer also advised individuals to consider cough etiquette by avoiding coughing in hands but rather a tissue and discarding it immediately. Washing hands regularly also prevents transmission of the virus.

“People can do a lot to prevent the flu, such as getting vaccinated. The vaccines we have cover all of the types and strains that are circulating. The vaccination program will continue until March. Some children may require two vaccines and that program will continue until April,” he said.

The flu vaccine is free and is recommended for anyone six months or older.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722