As Australia experiences its influenza season, experts are cautioning about a surge in children being hospitalized with severe flu symptoms, which could be a warning for Canada in the coming months. According to Australian health data, children account for nearly 75% of hospital admissions since the start of the flu season in late April. Dr. John Yaremko, a pediatrician based in Montreal, highlights the age group most affected as children between the ages of five and ten. This age group normally tends to be healthier and not have underlying health conditions, making their increased hospitalization unusual. The low vaccination rates in Australia may be a contributing factor. Experts theorize that the lower flu vaccination rates in children this year, compared to previous years, are leading to increased hospitalizations rather than a particularly severe or transmissible strain. It is important to note that the flu vaccine does not always prevent someone from getting the flu but can prevent severe illness and transmission. Additionally, the prevalence of influenza B this year may be causing more severe illness in children compared to adults. As Canada prepares for its flu season, typically starting between late October and early January, Canadian health officials are monitoring Australia’s flu season for situational awareness. Given the disproportionate impact on children in Australia, it is recommended to get children vaccinated when the flu shot becomes available in Canada. Last flu season, Canada faced a scarcity of pediatric acetaminophen and ibuprofen due to the resurgence of respiratory illnesses, but steps have been taken to increase supply and prevent shortages in the future. It is important for individuals to get vaccinated and practice respiratory hygiene measures to help mitigate the impact of the flu season.
How will Australia’s severe flu season impact Canadian children? – National Impact Examined
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