This flu season expected to be worse than last year’s

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Flu season is getting underway, just in time for holiday socializing.

The experts believe we won’t be getting off as easily as last year, as far as the flu season goes.

Quite a number of outbreaks have already been noted in long-term care facilities.

Provincial medical health officer Perry Kendall says you should consider a flu shot if your holiday visits will include the elderly.

“Christmas is a time when people are mixing. Older people are more vulnerable, like grandparents. I would urge anyone who is eligible to get a flu shot,” he says.

“It is predominantly the older person who gets sick and dies.”

He says BC has distributed 1.3 million doses of flu shots this season – but it’s not known how many ended up in people’s arms.

He believes about 70 percent of BC’s health care workers have had their shots.

Everyone who visits or works in a healthcare facility in BC is required to have been vaccinated against the flu, or wear a mask.

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