You may have started to notice people missing from your workplace lately as the flu season continues in New Brunswick.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, says this season is off to a slow start.
“We have got about 170 lab-confirmed cases reported so far which consists of influenza A (H1N1) and influenza A (H3) and influenza B. Compared to this time last year, we had 850 cases,” said Russell.
Russell says you should consider getting your flu shot now because the season is about to ramp up with a peak expected in the next two to four weeks.
The symptoms of the flu start out like a cold but quickly worsen, she says.
“You can cough, you can sneeze you can feel achy all over and have a fever. If you do have these symptoms, we would want you to call 8-1-1, we want you to stay home and not infect other people, obviously, we want you to wash your hands with soap and water and also throw away any tissue you use right away.”
Russell says it is much easier now to get a flu shot with pharmacists now able to administer them.
“We want the access to be there so as many people as possible get immunized. Those most vulnerable include those age 65 and older, we are worried about children, pregnant women, worried about anybody that has multiple different serious medical conditions, so heart disease and lung disease and cancer,” she said.
