Flu vaccine (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

FLU SEASON

Slow start to winter in Kamloops area may be slowing the start to flu season

Dec 13, 2023 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s been coined the three-headed monster by healthcare professionals — RSV, COVID-19 and influenza all come bearing similar symptoms during the holiday season. While it’s been an overall slower start to the respiratory season, numbers are increasing.

“Influenza the virus is here. We are seeing it as presentations to the emergency department and we are seeing it in per cent positivity. Those who have a virus and get tested — a higher proportion of those are influenza. As well, our wastewater is showing an increase in COVID infections at the population level,” said Dr. Carol Fenton, Interior Health Medical Health Officer.

With the cold winter weather and snow not yet descending upon Kamloops, residents haven’t yet been forced into their homes. That ability to still enjoy nature could be helping alleviate the start of flu season.

“It’s been gradual and mild,” said Missagh Manshadi, owner of Manshadi Pharmacy. “The weather is beautiful so we don’t see as many of the people coming in and getting the antibiotics and things that treat flu and COVID and things like that.”

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While talk of vaccine fatigue in the wake of COVID-19 remains, Manshadi stated his pharmacy, which provides drop-in vaccines, has had one of its busiest years on record and expects to be busy ahead of the Christmas season.

“We should get all of our shots done so there will be less chance of spreading COVID and flu around. [I] highly, highly recommend doing your shots now and not to wait until the weather gets colder or when we start to be inside more,” added Manshadi.

As people debate the decision to get vaccinated this year, Dr. Fenton, who recommends vaccination against COVID-19 and the flu, hopes a conversation with family and friends can help make that decision easier.

“It’s worth having a conversation with your friends and family members around weighing the risks and benefits. Would you rather be sick with a virus for the average duration [of] 12 days, or would you rather have a sore arm for a day or two? At this point it’s for everybody to make that decision for yourself, but I know I picked the sore arm,” said Fenton.