The B.C. CDC says influenza activity is at the highest levels since the start of this respiratory season.
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Two children have died from flu-related illnesses in B.C. as health officials warn of an increase in influenza and RSV.
In children, influenza activity is at the highest levels since the start of this respiratory season, the B.C. CDC said in a news bulletin Friday.
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The centre said it had received two reports of influenza-associated deaths among children in the past two weeks.
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Health officials say early findings indicate the two children experienced secondary bacterial infections contributing to severe illness which can be a complication of influenza.
They are reminding residents that the best way to prevent serious illness to be vaccinated against the flu.
Vaccination is important for children at highest risk of severe outcomes including those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, or other conditions that contribute to a weakened immune system, according to the B.C. CDC.
Other children and teens at risk include those who have difficulty breathing, swallowing or a risk of choking on food or fluids, such as people with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures or neuromuscular disorders. Children who are overweight or those who are required to take Aspirin for long periods of time are also at higher risk.
The B.C. CDC is again asking people to stay home if they are sick and wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
Doctors say most children with influenza and other respiratory viruses recover safely at home without the need for medical intervention.
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For children at high risk of severe complications, parents should consider talking to their care provider about early access to an influenza anti-viral drug called oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which is most effective against influenza if started within 12 hours, and ideally not later than 48 hours after illness onset, the B.C. CDC said.
Parents and caregivers of children who experience any symptoms of concern, such as difficulty breathing or fever in a child under three months of age, should seek immediate medical attention.
Call 911 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department or urgent and primary care centre.
Last week, the B.C. CDC warned of high levels of invasive strep infections in kids. As of Friday, there have been 51 cases in people under 20, which the B.C. Centre for Disease Control says is more than twice the number (20) recorded last year.
While most people will recover with antibiotics, these infections can become more dangerous when the bacteria invade the lungs, blood, or spread along the tissue surrounding a muscle.
More severe infections can cause pneumonia or sepsis and include conditions such as toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis, according to the B.C. CDC.
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Two children die from flu-related illnesses in B.C., officials warn of increase in respiratory risk - Vancouver Sun
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