Flu season expected to peak over the holidays, but there's still time to get a vaccine
The flu season is underway and it is expected to peak over the holidays.
Ontario's top doctor is warning people to get vaccinated before the holidays, as it takes up to two weeks for immunity from the shot to build.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says swine flu is the most detected strain this season.
"Influenza is a really nasty virus," said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease physician and scientist. "We know that it can have a very negative impact on younger cohorts, on older cohorts, and on people who are immunocompromised."
Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore says people should be vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19.
"I'm a teacher and the flu is going around," said Richard McGrath, who is getting his shot soon. "Lots of people have the virus and they're still getting it unfortunately."
Influenza is expected to peak soon as cases continue to build.
"Sometime in late December or early January," said Bogoch. "We are going to see more and more of that in the weeks ahead. So unfortunately in the health care settings, it's going to be a very busy holiday season."
With Christmas just two weeks away, health officials say now is the time to get the shot.
"A lot of people at school are getting sick," said Jackie Newhouse, an Ottawa resident. "Every day there's at least three people absent because they're sick or something."
Other tips to stay healthy include wearing a mask in large public settings, washing your hands, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
There is also a vaccine for RSV this year. Health Canada has approved that vaccine for people 60 and older, but it is only available free of charge to people in that age group who are living in long-term care homes, elder care lodges, and retirement homes licensed to provide dementia care services.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.