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Nearly 4,000 people tested positive for influenza in B.C. last year, and now, flu season is back.
While the number of cases is down, they are not complacent. Their best line of defense is immunization.
When it comes to the shot, some have made their minds that they do not need it, but others are unsure.
"I have kids at home … I'm mulling over the information, pros and cons," Vanessa Licos told CTV Monday.
But public health officials say the shot is the best way to protect vulnerable members of the population.
"Thousands of people die each year in Canada from influenza and its complications," said Dr. Emily Newhouse, medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health.
"Seniors and people with chronic conditions are highly affected, but people of all ages can experience serious complications from influenza."
The BC Center for Disease Control reports its findings to the attention of the public and to the attention of the patient.
Still, the BCCDC keeps track of cases. Its records showed that during the 2016-17 season, 3,948 people tested positive for influenza. Last season, 3,763 had positive results.
A report published last week showed in September and October are slightly higher than the historical average, but lower than the last several years.
Health officials say it's hard to know what to expect.
"Newhouse said."
She's urging people to get vaccinated, including pregnant women like herself.
"The flu shot is safe, safe, safe, and safe for you to get pregnant with."
Vancouver Coastal Health says last year's flu shot was just 38 per cent effective overall. Protection was less than usual, but not by a lot.
Over the last decade, effectiveness usually ranges from 40 to 70 per cent.
H3N2 was only 15 per cent. The per cent protected against H1N1 and influenza B were 58 and 46, VCH said.
"The strains last year were well-matched genetically, however, in recent years, there was a change in the H3N2 vaccine when it was increased in production, and this reduced its protection," Newhouse said.
"There is a new strain of H3N2 in this year's vaccine, and a new strain of influenza B."
It is not known how effective this year's vaccine will be. Still, doctors say that they are vaccinated and still come down with serious complications.
Their advice: Roll up your sleeve and protect yourself.
With a report from CTV Vancouver's Michele Brunoro
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