Island Health says several cases of Influenza A have been confirmed in their labs in the past week, and most of those confirmed cases have required hospitalization.
“Our labs have confirmed eight cases of Influenza in patients who have come to our hospitals, and seven of those patients have been so sick they required admission for treatment,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health Chief Medical Health Officer. “Two of those cases are so severe the patients required admission to our Intensive Care Units, including one child.”
Stanwick says most of the cases are H1N1, and a good match to the strain of Influenza A which is included in this year’s flu shot. “This is a good reminder why flu shots are so important for individuals at high risk of complications from influenza, and those who come in contact with them, including health care workers and visitors to Island Health facilities.”
All B.C. health authorities have implemented an influenza control policy that requires health-care workers to be vaccinated or wear a mask in patient care locations during flu season.
— NEWS Staff/Island Health
