Cases of flu strain affecting kids spike in B.C., health official says

B.C.'s provincial health officer says that while influenza tends to peak in December, the number of infections involving a strain affecting children is climbing unusually early this year.

"The B [influenza]virus is predominantly affecting children under the age of five, but it's also noticeable in five to 19-year-olds,so in school outbreaks it's predominating," Dr. Perry Kendallsaid.

He said that for those over the age of 55, the A influenza strainH3N2outweighs other strains.B.C. has seen three recent outbreaks of the virus in long-term care facilities.

Holidays spurflu virus

Kendall it's common to see more cases of the flu around the holidays.

"As we move into the holiday season where people are mixing and mingling,that'swhen we expect to see more transmission," Kendall said.

"That'swhy we advisepeople,if you're feeling ill, don'tgo spread your germs to your relatives, and if you're visiting people in hospitals or long-termcare, be vaccinated,or wear a mask, or stay home," he added.

Protect yourself and others

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control saysmore than 10 per centof absenteeism at work sites and schools right now is most likely due to influenza-like illnesses.

Kendall iswarning members of the public to stay at home if they are sick, and take precautions against catching or spreading the virus.