Sherbrooke Record e-Edition

Late flu season not hitting as hard as pre-covid

By Gordon Lambie

The public health department in the Eastern Townships says that although there is an elevated number of influenza cases in the region at the moment, this unusual late flu season is not hitting as hard in terms of cases as those before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a written response to The Record’s questions about the flu in the region, a representative of the CIUSSS de l’estrie – CHUS said that the first cases of the influenza virus were reported in the region toward the end of March, and have been on the rise since then

For the week of the 8 to the 14 of May there were 86 cases of influenza confirmed by testing in the Estrie region. That total accounts for about one third of all the flu cases reported in the region in the 2021-22 year.

All but 30 of the cases were in the Sherbrooke area, and 55 out of the 86 were recorded in children aged 1 to 11 years old.

Despite anecdotal accounts of a flu that is presenting over a slightly longer duration than normal, CIUSSS de l’estrie – CHUS communications representative Marie-ève Nadeau said that there is not enough data at this point to verify whether or not that is actually true. Nadeau pointed out that the hospital network can only record data when people become sick enough that they come to the hospital, and since the recommendation for the flu is to stay home until symptoms pass, most cases are not being recorded.

Those cases of the influenza virus that have been identified in the region through testing have been type A, one of two forms responsible for the regular seasonal flu.

“Currently, the spread of the influenza virus is increasing, but remains lower than that observed during the last influenza season preceding the COVID-19 pandemic,” the communications representative wrote, sharing that the distinctive lateness of the season is likely linked to the roll back of the measures used to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flu symptoms and their severity can vary with age and health status. The main symptoms include sudden fever, between 39°C and 40°C (102°F and 104°F), sudden cough, sore throat, muscle or joint pain, extreme fatigue, and headaches. Symptoms can also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, with these latter symptoms being more likely in children. In older adults, feeling weak and confused sometimes may be the only symptoms.

Because of the similarity to COVID-19 symptoms and the fact that the virus generally passes on its own, the current recommendation is for those experiencing flu symptoms to self-isolate. Persistent or increasing pain when breathing and/or a fever that is getting worse or has lasted for over five days may be signs that it is time to go see a doctor.

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2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sherbrookerecord.pressreader.com/article/281762747879144

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