Experts say 3 strains of flu circulate ahead of holiday gatherings

Flu cases are on the rise across Ontario and experts say cases are only going to increase as people gather for the holidays.

Expert CHCH News spoke to say a lot of people were admitted to the hospital overnight with flu symptoms. Saying this year is particularly difficult as there are three strains of influenza going around.

“The vaccine is comprised of components to protect us against all circulating strains of influenza. But the component that’s supposed to protect us against the H3N2 strain is not as protective as we would like,” says Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious disease specialist in Toronto.

“That doesn’t mean it offers zero protection, it just means it’s not as protective as we would like. The reason behind that is because the virus, of course, mutates with time. It takes a bunch of time to make these vaccines, mass produce them and distribute them, by the time these vaccines were out for the public’s use, the H3N2 strain that was circulating has changed to an extent where the vaccine still provides protection but just not to the extent that we would like.”

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies via walk-in or appointment.

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