Public Health Sudbury and Districts is warning residents to be extra careful – especially older adults – because this year's influenza vaccine doesn't protect against an emerging strain of the virus.
In an advisory, Public Health said they have received more and more reports of people getting the influenza A (H3N2) virus and want doctors and the community to know of the risks.
“Increased vigilance is warranted for influenza A infection in your patients presenting with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection,” Public Health said in an advisory. “Please note that we are currently seeing an increase in H3 activity within the Public Health Sudbury and Districts catchment area ... a trend that is being observed elsewhere.”
As of April 6, 97 per cent of the 11,159 people who got the flu had influenza A. Of those cases, 59.3 per cent were the H1 variety, which is covered by the flu shot. However, 40.7 per cent were H3.
“Across Canada, 57 per cent of all influenza A (H3N2) detections have been reported in adults 65 years of age and older,” the alert said. “Estimates from the Canadian Sentinel Practitioner Surveillance Network suggest the 2018-2019 influenza vaccine provides substantial protection against (H1) ... but little or no protection against influenza A (H3) viruses this season.”
Doctors are being encouraged to administer antiviral medication as soon as they can, even in patients who have had symptoms for more than 48 hours. Use of antiviral medication is also recommended for:
-- Treatment of moderate, progressive, severe or complicated influenza, such as individuals who are hospitalized with influenza-like illness;
-- Treatment of those at high risk for complications of influenza, such as children younger than five years of age, adults 65 years of age and older, and those with underlying medical conditions; and,
-- Treatment and prevention in influenza outbreaks in institutions, such as hospitals and long-term care homes.
For more information, visit Public Health Sudbury.
