Influenza is a serious respiratory illness with increasing activity across the region, which is one more reason to get your flu shot. That’s according to Public Health Nurse Jacqueline Malkinson.
She says Influenza is seen throughout the year, but especially now:
“Usually in the Winter it’s certainly a bigger concern, and across our region the influenza activity has been seen to increase, and we know the dominant strain this year circulating is the influenza A, The H1N1, and that is the one that predominantly affects children and our non-elderly adults.”
Malkinson adds that strain is in this year’s vaccine. She also says it’s a good idea to be protected:
“People of any age groups they are at risk of influenza, and sometimes when people get sick with influenza it also leads to other illnesses such as pneumonia and other infections, bacterial or viral, because the person is immune compromised and then they get sick and they become more immune compromised. So it is a good idea to be protected against influenza.”
Interior Health is holding free flu shots on Wednesday, January 16th, from 9AM to 4PM at the Boundary Community Health Centre (7441 2nd Street) in Grand Forks. You’re urged to call 250-443-3150 to book an appointment.