With the flu season hitting especially hard this winter, Fraser Health has declared the current influenza strain a health hazard under the Public Health Act.
There have been more than 20 outbreaks at long-term care or assisted-living facilities in the Fraser region, and emergency department visits related to the flu are at their highest level in years, Fraser Health announced this week.
The health authority has mandated all those visiting a residential care facility must wear a mask if they have not had a flu shot. Fraser Health is also urging anyone who is feeling unwell to avoid these facilities.
The best defense against the flu is still to get a flu shot and to wash hands frequently, said Fraser Health spokesperson Roy Thorpe-Dorward, as the flu season is expected to continue for at least another six weeks.
Flu vaccines are available at doctors' offices, walk-in clinics and pharmacies. For information on flu shot clinics, visit www.fraserhealth. ca.
