What kind of a flu season are we going to have in New Brunswick this year?
Moncton pharmacist Kyle Arbeau said we often look to Australia for indicators of influenza since our seasons are reversed and he said there was a strong resurgence of the flu Down Under.
“That is just related to the fact that the last few years we’ve had a lot more COVID controls in place, and that’s actually kept the flu from spreading too much over the last couple of years.”
Pharmacies began administering flu shots in New Brunswick this week which are free to all eligible residents.
Walk-ins may be accepted at some locations or appointments can be made by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424 or through the provincial online booking site.
Although there are often concerns about side effects from the shot, Arbeau said they are generally mild.
“The most common ones you might see is just a bit of redness or soreness at the site where you get the injection and otherwise you may have a bit of a fever for a day or two afterwards.”
With the flu and COVID-19 still with us, Arbeau added it could be an interesting fall and winter.
According to a summary report of the 2021-22 influenza season in New Brunswick (August 29, 2021 to August 6, 2022), the Department of Health indicated 442 laboratory confirmed influenza cases were reported with 91 hospitalizations including seven ICU admissions and five deaths.
The median age of deaths was 72 years old.
The department noted the numbers were lower than the previous non-pandemic seasons.