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Ottawa Public Health advises that everyone get their flu shot to help protect themselves and those around them. (Courtney Buchanan, Centretown News)

Flu season arrives in Ottawa

By Courtney Buchanan and Meghan Newman

People over age 65 accounted for more than half of flu cases confirmed in Ottawa lab reports last year, says Ottawa Public Health.

The agency’s Dr. Sarah Funnell explained that seniors constituted the biggest age group of flu sufferers — at 58 per cent — because they were particularly susceptible to last year’s strain, H3N2.

“We know from past seasons that those years are harder on the older age group. So they are more likely to get the flu,” said Funnell. “This year is looking to be an H3N2 year as well.”

With flu season officially underway, Ottawa Public Health suggests that everyone – not just those in high-risk groups – get the flu vaccine. Influenza strains change every year, which is why healthcare professionals recommend that everyone get their shot.

There are 27 locations within Centretown where residents can receive a free flu shot. In the city as a whole there are over 200 pharmacies and over 300 physicians’ offices where people can get the vaccine.

Ottawa Public Health advises that you get your flu shot early, as it takes two weeks for your body to build up a response.

“Getting the flu shot is one specific thing you can do to prevent the flu, to actually help tackle influenza,” said Funnell.

According to Ottawa Public Health, last year’s flu shot had an effectiveness rate of 42 per cent, putting it in “the expected range” of 40 to 60 per cent, she added.

Even when the vaccine is not fully effective in prevention, it makes the illness milder, she said. That means that people spend less time in the hospital and are less likely to be admitted to the ICU.

Some people actively choose not to get their flu shot. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines vaccine hesitancy as the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. People choosing not to get the flu shot can put other groups at risk for illness.

Rick Baker, president of the Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP) Ottawa Chapter, said that the organization works to advocate for the flu shot to help protect people over the age of 65.

“You can only do your best to encourage everybody to do it,” said Baker. “We certainly encourage people to stay as healthy as possible. We advertise in our local newsletter, that you should take advantage of local pharmacies.”