By Ian Holmes

‘There’s a problem occurring:’ First signs of flu season appearing in Nanaimo

Dec 29, 2017 | 11:23 AM

NANAIMO — The flu is starting to make an impact throughout the mid-island region.

Island Health confirmed influenza outbreaks at a pair of Nanaimo longterm care facilities — Eden Gardens on Northfield Rd. and Orgin at Longwood on Oliver Rd.

“We have three or four outbreaks now occurring in longterm care facilities, that’s often our sentinel events that say that there’s a problem occurring,” mid-island medical health officer Dr. Paul Hasselback told NanaimoNewsNOW.

He said there is also a suspected flu outbreak at Parksville’s Trillium Lodge.

Hasselback believed the H3N2 strain of influenza A is at work locally, which he expected tests to confirm in a about two weeks. That would mirror the same primary strain affecting other communities in B.C.

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“That is probably going to be the dominant strain that we’re going to see in the upcoming weeks.”

Hasselback noted this year’s flu vaccine does partially cover that strain.

He said people that have the flu should stay away from work and school. He said schools are “prime breeding grounds” for spreading the virus.

“Try not to be the individuals that spread influenza to others,” Hasselback said. “If you are coming down with those symptoms of fever, achy muscles and cough, it may well be influenza.”

Flu tips from Island Health

•         Wash your hands frequently after touching people or surfaces. Use soap and water and/or alcohol-based sanitizers.
•         Stay home when you’re sick or have flu symptoms. Keep children home from school when they are ill.
•         Cough or sneeze into your upper arm or use a tissue, not your hands.
•         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
•         Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•         And it’s not too late to get a flu shot.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes