B.C. health officials to provide update on 'protecting children' through flu season
CTV
As pediatric hospitalizations due to influenza continue to rise across Canada, provincial health officials are set to provide an update on the situation in British Columbia – where children's hospitals are under increasing strain.
As pediatric hospitalizations due to influenza continue to rise across Canada, provincial health officials are set to provide an update on the situation in British Columbia – where children's hospitals are under increasing strain.
In a notice sent to media Sunday, the Ministry of Health announced that a Monday news conference will address "protecting children through the influenza season."
Adrian Dix will be joined by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Penny Ballem, the executive lead of Immunize BC Vaccine Operations.
The most recent national FluWatch report, which covers the week of Nov. 20 to Nov. 26, noted an overall increase in cases of nearly 40 per cent from the week prior. Further, it noted that the rate of infection is higher than average, when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
When it comes to the number of children requiring hospitalization, the report noted that rates have hit a concerning high.
"The number of weekly influenza-associated hospitalizations is well above levels typical of this time of year and is above levels typically seen at the peak of the influenza season," the report said.
Over the weekend, BC Children's Hospital briefly activated a "code orange" which is typically reserved for natural disasters and mass casualty events.
