The Chief Public Health Officer is letting the public know of a recent increase in the number of influenza cases reported around the NWT over the past week, with the majority reported in Yellowknife.
It is noted that Alberta has also been experiencing widespread influenza cases in recent days. This reminder is being made to remind residents of the increased risk of spreading cases over the holiday season due to an influx of returning students and visitors. It is highly recommended that anyone over the age of six months stay up to date on their flu vaccines.
This is particularly important for those who are at high risk of influenza-related illness and those who regularly interact with high-risk populations.
High-risk individuals include:
- Children aged 6 months to 59 months
- Adults aged 65 years and older
- Pregnant individuals
- Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
- People in small, rural, isolated communities with limited access to health care services
- Adults and children with chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease; diabetes; cancer; any condition or medication weakening the immune system; extreme overweight; anemia; neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions increasing risk in children aged 6 months to 18 years on long-term aspirin therapy.
Considering the holiday travel season, it is especially important to get vaccinated against influenza. This precaution is crucial, especially if you are planning to travel over the holidays. Students returning home from post-secondary institutions should be vaccinated before travelling, as it takes approximately 14 days after vaccination to achieve protection.
