This flu season's prevalent strain is particularly nasty, already having sent a number of people to intensive care.
It's also unusual in that it seems to be hitting younger people hardest.
The good news is that, although the season has clearly got started already, it's not too late to get vaccinated.
There have been reports of vaccine shortages in other parts of Canada, but the BC Centre for Disease Control notes that there still is plenty of vaccine available in this province. That said, some pharmacies in Richmond are running low and are only vaccinating those who qualify for a free shot.
BC Children's Hospital notes that children are more apt to get sick from illnesses such as influenza and norovirus, and reminds parents that healthy children six months to less than five years of age are now eligible for free flu shots, as are older children with many chronic medical conditions and who have household members at high risk or under the age of two years.
There are other measures suggested by both BC Children's and the BCCDC to help avoid catching the bug, too.
As 80 per cent of common infections are spread by hands, frequent washing is a good idea. Children should wash their hands with soap and water, scrubbing for about the time it takes to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star plus a little more, before eating, after using the washroom, after sneezing, coughing, or using a tissue, and after playing with toys shared with other children.
Teach children to sneeze or cough into the crook of the arm rather than their hands.
Also, don't visit grandparents or other elderly people if you or your child is sick; older people are prone to suffer more severe symptoms from illness.
Encourage kids NOT to share cups or toys or anything that they might put in their mouths.
And call 811 for more information about health concerns.
