Here It Comes! Get Ready for Influenza Season

My thanks to the Tri-Cities Senior Action Society for this information.

What is Influenza and Why Is It Important for Seniors?

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza A and B viruses in humans and can cause mild to severe illness, which can result in hospitalization or death. Certain populations, such as young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions, may be at higher risk for serious influenza complications such as viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, and worsening of underlying medical conditions.

Older Canadians suffer disproportionately from influenza-related morbidity and mortality. And account for about 70% of hospitalizations and 90% of deaths …due to Influenza.

In Canada, influenza generally occurs every year in the late fall and winter months

Potential complications of Influenza can include direct respiratory effects such as asthma & COPD exacerbations, ear & sinus infections, and bronchitis and pneumonia.

74% of Canadians report having at least one of the following chronic conditions: arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a mood disorder other than depression and stroke.

Influenza contributes to mortality among patients with underlying lung or chronic heart diseases.

For persons aged 65 years and over, the risk for influenza-attributed death was

5X greater among those with chronic heart diseases

12X greater among those with chronic lung diseases

20X greater among those with both chronic heart and lung conditions

Pneumonia and Influenza are leading causes of catastrophic disability, behind stroke and congestive heart failure  

What was found over the last six months from the southern hemisphere? Looking to Australia for statistics and input helps researchers develop the best vaccine matches for the northern hemisphere.

97.4% of influenza A(H1N1) and 93.3% of influenza A(H3N2) were the main strains found.

This year, Influenza burden exceeded the 5-year average.

The typical peak of laboratory-confirmed influenza is August to September, but this year was EARLIER in May and June and was larger.

Influenza-related hospitalizations decreased in July which can probably be attributed to a good match of the Influenza vaccine.

Based on this early data, Canadians must receive their flu vaccines as soon as possible, preferably with vaccines with the most evidence for benefit. Usually the peak “flu season” in BC is December and January but can be expected to be in October and November. Why? Most people have let their guard down and are not wearing masks, not social distancing, and are not washing their hands as they were in early COVID times.

The added hospitalizations from influenza and influenza-related illnesses will put further stresses on health-care resources—hospitals and staffs—and will have further societal and economic consequences.

Vaccines don't save lives.

Vaccinations do.

They're safe, they're effective, and   they're rolling out now. Check with your health authority to see when you can book your flu shot.