2 B.C. children have died from influenza amid rise in cases: B.C. Centre for Disease Control

Two children in B.C.have died from influenza in the past two weeks amid a rise in influenza cases, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

In a Friday release, the BCCDC said the two childrenlikely died of secondary bacterial infections, which can be a complication of influenza.

"Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by the loss of a loved one," the BCCDC said inthe release.

The organization says the province is seeing an increase in influenza and RSVsimilar to pre-pandemic levels, and thatinfluenza activity in children is at itshighest levels since the start of this year's fluseason.

Dr. Aamir Bharmal, a medical director with the BCCDC, said both children who died were under the age of 10.

"These are rare events usually, and they are quite tragic. So we watch these quite closely and try to investigate them," said Bharmal.

The BCCDC is recommendingBritish Columbiansget their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, clean their hands regularly, avoid touching their face, and stayhome when feeling sick.