(File Photo. Keith Bailey.)
Flu season is about to begin, and if the situation in Australia is anything to go by, this year could be the worst flu season on record.
Australia experienced a steep increase in flu-like illnesses during its flu season which peaks in the summer months.
That’s leading health officials in the Northern Hemisphere to anticipate similar trends this fall and winter.
Flu cases peaked early in Australia last year and then tapered off, and similar trends were seen in North America.
Health officials in this province are encouraging people to get their seasonal flu shot to prevent a spike in illness this fall and winter. Flu shot appointments can be made through Public Health and through local participating pharmacies, and can be booked along with the latest COVID vaccine.
Keith Bailey, a pharmacist and franchise owner with Shoppers Drug Mart, admits many people have vaccine fatigue, leading to lower vaccination rates since COVID struck.
Canadians historically have a 40 per cent flu shot rate, with Newfoundland and Labrador coming in just below that according to Bailey. Lack of access may be a factor, which is why they’re trying to make it easier to get a shot.