This year’s dominant flu strain is more severe than usual.
That’s according to Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health Program Manager Bill Sherlock, who says this year the H3 strain is spreading.
Despite a more severe flu strain circulating, Sherlock also says it hasn’t caused an increase in people catching the virus. He says numbers are on par with most years.
The health unit still encourages you to get the flu shot to reduce your risk of getting sick. However, as the flu season peaks around Christmas, Sherlock says you’re better off getting it earlier.
Sherlock says you can also help prevent the flu from spreading by washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and by staying home if you’re sick.
He says the flu season tends to peter-off towards the end of March as the weather gets nicer.
