Flu hits Yukon early and hard, with more than 70 cases so far

Flu season has arrived with a vengeance in Yukon, with more than 70 confirmed cases as of Nov. 24.

Yukon normally averages five cases of confirmed influenza by Dec. 1, according to Dr. Catherine Elliott, the territory's Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Of the confirmed cases, 86 per cent have been in Whitehorse. Cases in three rural communities have made up the remaining 14 per cent.

This surge of flu cases in Yukon is unusual, says Elliott. Most provinces and territories are reporting routine flu activity or no flu activity.

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Elliott says H3N2is the strain of influenza being identified in the lab. It typically causes more severe illness.

Eight people have required hospitalizationas of Nov. 21. Yukon normally sees an average of seven flu hospitalizations over the entire 52-week flu season.

She is urging Yukoners to get flu shots as this year's vaccine protects against H3N2.

If you think you have the flu, and you don't have any chronic conditions or risk factors for complications, Elliott advises staying home, and staying away from "people who might be vulnerable, like the elderly, the very young, people who are pregnant."

"But if you are in one of those vulnerable categories, then you should seek medical care as soon as possible."

She also recommends washing your hands often and practisinggood coughing etiquette to keep viruses from spreading.