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Flu shot not effective against H3N2 strain

Influenza still hasn’t caused significant problems says NH.

According to a report from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, influenza activity, predominantly A(H3N2), remained at heightened levels in B.C. from Dec. 28, 2014 to Jan. 3, 2015.

Last year, the predominant subtype of influenza was A(H1N1). This year, A(H3N2) has been the main cause for concern.

According to Dr. William Osei, Northern Health Medical Health Officer, there is no difference in symptoms associated with A(H1N1) and A(H3N2).

Dr. Osei said one of the causes for the heightened levels of A(H3N2) this season is that the flu vaccine this year is not as effective against this strain.

Despite the low effectiveness of the vaccine against A(H3N2), the Public Health Agency of Canada states on its website that the vaccine can still "provide some protection" against A(H3N2) and can offer protection against other influenza strains such as A(H1N1) and B.

Most influenza detections continue to be adults above 65 years of age, driven in part by a record number of influenza outbreaks being reported in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, since Sept. 21, 2014, 62 facility influenza outbreaks - including 58 in LTCFs and four in acute care - have been reported in the province.

Across the country, from Dec. 28, 2014 to Jan. 3, 2015, there were 166 influenza outbreaks in eight provinces, of which 122 were in long-term care facilities.

Despite the many outbreaks across the country, Dr. Osei said the H3N2 strain "still hasn't caused significant problems" in Northern B.C.

The best practices to avoid contracting or passing on the flu include covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; putting your used tissue in the waste basket; coughing or sneezing into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don't have a tissue; washing your hands frequently; and staying home if you are sick.

Dr. Osei said the flu vaccine is still "the best shot against the flu."

In the period of 2013/2014, Northern Health Public Health administered 23,912 doses of influenza vaccine. Other providers in the region administered 38,354 doses. So far this season (2014/2015), Northern Health Public Health administered 16,453 doses of influenza vaccine. Pharmasave in Burns Lake has administered approximately 90 flu shots in the 2014/2015 season.

On Jan. 15, 2015, Pharmasave in Burns Lake still had 12 flu shots available, and Rexall Drug Store had approximately 15.