Public Health Officials are warning people in the Beaufort Delta region that influenza cases are on the rise.

InuvikSA国际影视传媒檚 first case of Influenza B of the year was Jan. 4. Since then, communities throughout the region has seen an uptick in both the flu and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV.)

SA国际影视传媒淭he NWT typically experiences two waves of influenza in the respiratory season,SA国际影视传媒� said Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Kami Kandola.on Feb. 23. SA国际影视传媒淚nfluenza A tends to circulate from fall to winter and influenza B from winter to spring.

SA国际影视传媒淧reviously, the NWT experienced alarge-scale influenza A outbreak in December 2023.SA国际影视传媒�

Wind said in the last week, 15 of the 17 new flu cases were from the Beaufort Delta, and the majority of RSV cases have been in the area as well.

With March spring break approaching and the regionSA国际影视传媒檚 biggest tournament already underway this weekend, Kandola said cases are expected to rise with the influx of travelers and visitors.

SA国际影视传媒淰accination and staying home if you are sick are the best measures to prevent spread of disease,SA国际影视传媒� she added. SA国际影视传媒淚t is important that the public be up to date on their vaccines. This includes flu vaccine and other vaccines that may protect against viruses and bacteria spread through the air, such as measles and meningitis.SA国际影视传媒滻t is especially important to consider influenza vaccination if you are planning to travel over the spring break. Students returning home from post-secondary institutions should get vaccinated before they travel. It takes approximately 14 days after vaccination to be protected against influenza. Stay home if you are sick. Follow general respiratory best practices such as covering coughs or sneezes, washing hands frequently and not attending public events, work or school if you are ill.SA国际影视传媒�

Anyone who wishes to book a flu vaccination can call their Public Health Office to set up an appointment. People who require two flu vaccines should get their second. People who had the flu in the fall are also advised to get vaccinated, as Kandola said this would provide additional protection from the virus.

People at the highest risk of complications or hospitalization from influenza include:

SA国际影视传媒� Children 6 months SA国际影视传媒� 59 months of age.

SA国际影视传媒� Adults 65 years of age and older.

SA国际影视传媒� Pregnant individuals.

SA国际影视传媒� People of any age who are residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.

SA国际影视传媒� People residing in small, rural, isolated communities with limited access to health care services.

Adults and children with the following health conditions:

SA国际影视传媒� Chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease.

SA国际影视传媒� Diabetes.

SA国际影视传媒� Cancer or any other condition and/or medication that weakens the immune system.

SA国际影视传媒� Extremely overweight.

SA国际影视传媒� Anemia.

SA国际影视传媒� Neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions that increase risk in children (6 months to 18 years of age) on long-term aspirin therapy.

I